IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine men's water polo has finalized their 2025 schedule, which is highlighted by two tournaments at Anteater Aquatics Complex, including the Big West Championships in November.
 
The season kicks off at home with the UCI Invitational at the end of August. The 'Eaters are set to open the tournament against LMU and California Baptist on Friday, August 29, before taking on Cal State Fullerton and Concordia on Saturday, August 30. Tickets for the UCI Invitational are $12 for adults and $8 for kids (ages 6-17) per session and are only available online. There are no on-site sales.
 
"There are a lot of teams from around this area that want to stay local and start their season that way, so it's a good opportunity for us," said UCI head coach and director of water polo Dan Klatt. "I expect these to be pretty high level games, and good games to get our competitive juices flowing."
 
UC Irvine then makes its first road trip, heading to Redlands for the Inland Empire Classic on September 6.
 
After traveling to face UCLA (Sept. 12), and hosting USC (Sept. 13) in single games, the Anteaters will have three-straight tournament weekends at the MPSF Invitational (Sept. 19-21), Lancer Joust (Sept. 26-27), and Gary Troyer Invitational (Oct. 3).
 
Big West play kicks off with a home bout against UC Davis on Oct. 10. The annual Ted Newland Alumni Game will follow on Oct. 11.
 
UCI stays home for a non-conference contest vs. Princeton on Oct. 15, prior to hitting the road to face Big West foes UC Santa Barbara (Oct. 18) and Cal State Fullerton (Oct. 24). The 'Eaters will then host Black & Blue Rival Long Beach State on Oct. 30.
 
The Anteaters are back on the road at Pepperdine (Nov. 1), and at UC San Diego for their Big West finale on Nov. 7. UC Irvine then closes out the regular season with two non-conference games as it entertains San Jose State (Nov. 9) and travels to LMU (Nov. 15).
 
The Big West Championships are slated for Nov. 21-23 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex. The conference's postseason champion earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships at Stanford, Dec. 5-7.
 
"We're excited to host the conference tournament," Klatt said. "It's a cool benefit to be able to be in your element, and at your place where you train and play every day. We're happy to have that opportunity to try to win a conference championship in our home pool."
 
UC Irvine has claimed the last two Big West regular-season titles, and won the Big West Championship in 2023.