Feb. 9, 2026

Media Advisory: Galaxy Slam press event to be held at McKale Center
  • What: Media are invited to attend the media launch of Galaxy Slam, a weeklong celebration of the University of Arizona's legacy in space.
  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11:15 a.m.
  • Where: McKale Media Center
  • RSVP: Contact Mitch Zak, mitchzak@arizona.edu, if you plan to attend.

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona is hosting a media event announcing Arizona Galaxy Slam, a weeklong initiative that leverages the national stage of championship athletics to spotlight the university's world-leading space science and research enterprise.

Galaxy Slam brings Wildcats together on the court, in the classroom and beyond the stars from Feb. 14-21. Events include a range of community activities and on-campus events, including the men's basketball game, where the No. 1-ranked Wildcats host No. 22 BYU on Feb. 18.

Speakers at Tuesday's event include:

  • R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois
  • President Suresh Garimella
  • Regents Professor of astronomy Marcia Rieke
  • Provost Patricia Prelock

Media contact: 
Mitch Zak 
University Communications 
916-612-0979
mitchzak@arizona.edu

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.