DAYTON – CareSource and the University of Dayton will host an exhibition game between the Dayton Flyers and the Penn State Nittany Lions men's basketball teams. The game will cap off the third year of community engagement events championing adolescent and young adult mental health and suicide prevention.

The game will be played on Sunday, October 19 at UD Arena with the opening tip scheduled for 2 p.m. The game will benefit the Jay's Light, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and mental health initiatives for University of Dayton students.

Events and programming leading up to the game will be announced in the fall.

"Mental health is as important to our well-being as physical health, and public discussions about it help to lessen the stigmas that can keep us from seeking the mental health care we need," said Scott Markovich, executive vice president, markets and products at CareSource. "This is a core part of CareSource's mission, and it's an honor to partner with Coach Grant, Coach Rhoades and others who share a passion for this work. We're excited for the game and continuously grateful to have the privilege to support our communities' health and well-being."

Dayton Coach Anthony Grant and his wife Chris strive to "bring purpose to the pain" from their family's tragedy by helping mothers, fathers, teens, and young adults find the resources to help. Their daughter Jay died in 2022 at the age of 20 as a result of mental illness.

"Every day we are moved and inspired by generosity and support from others. At the top of that list is CareSource. CareSource has been our lead partner from day one and joined our cause on supporting mental health in immeasurable ways. Its impact on our community has been extraordinary," Grant said. "I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mike Rhoades and Penn State for their sincere interest in this event."

Penn State makes its first appearance in the UD Arena since the 1997-98 season when the Nittany Lions and Flyers played in the NIT.
 
"We are excited to partner with the University of Dayton, Coach Grant and CareSource to support such an important cause. Raising awareness, generating conversation and increasing access to mental health services across our country is of the utmost importance," Penn State coach Mike Rhoades said. "I am honored to share the floor once again with Coach Grant who I have the greatest respect for. Coach Grant's willingness to share his family's story to turn their pain into purpose and help others is inspirational and we are appreciative to be a part of this event."

Charity exhibition game tickets will be offered as part of the Dayton season ticket package, with single game tickets announced for sale as available. Dayton season ticket holders will have the option to sell their tickets through Ticket Exchange or return them to the UD Ticket office for a credit on their account, so other fans can purchase.

Jay's Light, a foundation that honors Jayda Grant and will be used to champion adolescent and young adult mental health and suicide prevention. The fund will support local community organizations and initiatives that align with the mission of supporting adolescent and young adult mental health.

Click here to learn more about and support the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.