San Diego (October, 2026) – Sports San Diego officials have announced a series of events to celebrate Bill Walton’s legacy leading up to the National University Bill Walton Classic on Saturday, November 7. The Classic features Colorado vs. San Diego State in the men’s game at 12:30 p.m. PT on USA Network, followed by the University of San Diego vs. UC San Diego in the women’s game at 3 p.m. PT.
San Diego Celebrates Bill Walton:
October 20: The City of San Diego will proclaim November 6 as “Tie-Dye Day” in San Diego to honor the life and legacy of Bill Walton. San Diegans can purchase their tie-dyed National University Bill Walton Classic shirts and more at www.BillWaltonClassic.com.
November 5: San Diego Blood Bank’s Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive at Grossmont Center.
November 6: Bill Walton Happy Hour at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, 5:30 PM- 8:00 PM, benefiting the Bill Walton Foundation.
November 6: Tie-Dye Day in San Diego to honor the life and legacy of Bill Walton.
November 7: National University Bill Walton Classic at Pechanga Arena.
The three-day celebration will honor the many ways Bill Walton touched San Diego through sports, music, philanthropy and community. From San Diego Blood Bank’s Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive to a music-filled evening featuring the Electric Waste Band at the Belly Up, and a citywide Tie-Dye Day, the events reflect Bill’s unmistakable spirit, generosity and love for the city he called home. The celebration culminates November 7 at Pechanga Arena with the inaugural National University Bill Walton Classic, bringing together college basketball and the San Diego community to honor a one-of-a-kind legend.
“The Bill Walton Classic is meant to lift up our three Division I basketball programs, unite San Diego’s basketball community under one roof for an extraordinary day, and pay tribute to a true San Diego legend and Hall of Famer — Bill Walton. Nights like this remind us of what’s possible when this city comes together.” said Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego.
“Whether you’re a Walton fan, an NBA enthusiast, a Dead Head, a UCLA alum, a Celtics, Trail Blazers or Clippers fan, or simply someone who loves San Diego, join us for a far-out, tie-dye-inspired Walton Happy Hour celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Bill Walton. Featuring live music from Bill’s favorite, the Electric Waste Band, this special gathering will bring together friends, fans and the San Diego community to honor Bill’s infectious spirit, passion for life and deep love for our city. Come celebrate, connect and spread the love, just like Bill always did. All proceeds will benefit the Bill Walton Foundation.” -Bill Walton Foundation.
For further event information please go to www.BillWaltonClassic.com.
About Bill Walton Foundation … The Bill Walton Foundation is dedicated to honoring Bill Walton’s extraordinary life and legacy to inspire resilience, ignite teamwork, and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. Guided by Bill’s belief in the transformative power of sports, education, and mentorship, we invest in programs that build character, foster selfless leadership, and create inclusive opportunities — uniting communities as one team, ensuring every person has a coach and champion in their corner, and carries Bill’s radical joy and optimism forward in the ultimate game of life. Bill Walton refused to let adversity define him. He saw no strangers — only teammates he hadn’t met yet. The Bill Walton Foundation carries that truth forward.
About National University … National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of nontraditional, working, and military students by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 150 online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students—and 250,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more about National University’s new possibilities in education including next-generation education, value-rich education, and whole human education, visit NU.edu.
About Sports San Diego … Sports San Diego’s mission is to ignite tourism and fuel economic growth by 1) bringing world-class sporting events to San Diego; 2) producing extraordinary experiences for fans, athletes, and the community; and 3) unifying and elevating all sports across the city to foster a vibrant, inclusive sports culture, enhancing San Diego’s reputation and opportunities. www.sportssandiego.org # # #
