A Weeklong Celebration of
Our Legacy in Space
Returns Spring 2027
Beyond the Arc & Beyond the Stars
The University of Arizona is known for defying expectations. It shows on defense, in discovery, and in the farthest galaxies. This is more than basketball. More than science. This is a legacy of determination and the pursuit of greatness that defines what it means to be a Wildcat.
#2 in Astronomy & Astrophysics Expenditures
Astronomy & Astrophysics Expenditures
$1 Billion+ FY2024 Research Expenditures
Billion+ FY2024 Research Expenditures
#6 NASA-Funded Activity
NASA-Funded Activity
Featured Events You Enjoyed
Galaxy Slam brought Wildcats together on the court, in the classroom, and beyond the stars for a weeklong celebration featuring community activities and on-campus events.
Enter Stellar
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Galaxy Slam ran February 15 to 21, with each 3:30 PM show featuring bonus content highlighting the stellar researchers celebrated during the event. Limited-edition Scientist Trading Cards were given free with planetarium tickets while supplies lasted.
Bear Down, Look Up: AI on the Cosmic Court
Steward Observatory
AI wasn’t one player, it was a team. Attendees heard from four leading experts and learned how different models played distinct roles in helping us explore the universe.
College of Science Lecture Series
Centennial Hall
Harnessing the Power of Stars: Shaping the Future of Energy with Fusion Science explored how fusion powers the Sun and could one day power Earth. Attendees learned how stellarators are optimized through math and computation, along with recent breakthroughs, ongoing challenges, and what comes next.
Galaxy Slam Trivia Night at Cork & Craft
Cork & Craft in the Student Union Memorial Center
Galaxy Slam Trivia brought together Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium and Cork & Craft for a cosmic-themed trivia night that tested knowledge of space, stars, and the great beyond. Teams competed, showed off their cosmic smarts, and enjoyed themed mocktails and prizes while celebrating the universe.
Galaxy Slam Basketball Game
The McKale Center
BYU Cougars men's basketball vs Arizona Wildcats men's basketball delivered one night, one court, no mercy, and a Wildcats win.
The gym was loud. The pace was fast. The fouls were hard. Conference pride was on the line as part of the Galaxy Slam series, and Arizona came out on top.
Worlds of Words Center Exhibit
Worlds of Words Center
Before they were shot callers, scientists were kids who dreamed big. Visitors explored global books about space and space travel at Worlds of Words, featuring original art from published picture book illustrators Julien Chung, Stevie Lewis, and S. D. Nelson.
The exhibit was open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with no reservation required.
Arizona’s Impact in Space
In Tucson, basketball is more than a game – it’s a legacy of excellence. But Wildcats also claim another home court: the cosmos. For more than six decades, the University of Arizona has led the search for what lies beyond our Sonoran Desert skies.
Meet Arizona’s All-Star Cosmic Lineup
From stellar discoveries to leading research, these Wildcats changed how we see the universe. Guests explored their work and collected exclusive Galaxy Slam trading cards during campus events.
Join Us on the Court and in the Cosmos
Galaxy Slam is a celebration of the relentless curiosity, competitive spirit, and Wildcat determination that pushes us beyond the expected. Whether you’re cheering from McKale or exploring the universe with our researchers, you are part of the legacy.
