Sometime after the Nets open Barclays Center at the end of October 2012, the first college game will be played at the Brooklyn arena. Arena officials tell NetsDaily the first pairing will be announced "shortly". Don't be surprised if one side of that opening bill is filled by the University of Kentucky ...coached by John Calipari.

The day after the arena groundbreaking 14 months ago, Calipari said he hoped to bring the Wildcats to Brooklyn. "It would be an unbelievable thrill for Kentucky, with its celebrated history, to play the first college basketball game at the Barclays Center," said Calipari. "There’s no question about it: we want to play there first."  Without confirming the Wildcats will open the arena, officials Friday noted Calipari's quote.

Who'll be on the other side of the new arena? Barclay Center management has a "strategic alliance" with IMG College to book big college games. Along with Kentucky, IMG reps Arizona, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas. At least 25 college sports events will be held at the arena annually.