The game will be played at the U.S. Bank Arena mainly because of a direct result of the highly publicized Dec. 10 brawl between the two schools, which led numerous player suspensions and discussions of an end to the series.

Officials from Xavier and Cincinnati schools have decided to move the rivalry away from its alternating home-and-home fixtures for the next two seasons in an “attempt to improve the climate surrounding the game,” according to the report.

After the two seasons, school officials from both sides will take a look at how fans, players, and students act and see if they can continue this annual game. I sure hope so, because nothing is better than an intense cross-town rivalry game.

Financial details have not been finalized, though this season’s game likely will be played on December 18th, 19th or 20th. According to the report, an official announcement will be made sometime next month.

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Mar 8, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard/forward Pat Connaughton (24) shoots the game winning free throw during overtime in third round at the Big East Tournament against the USF Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Notre Dame won 57-53 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

The Irish hope to continue their remarkable run in the Big East as they face the Louisville Cardinals tonight at 9 eastern time in Madison Square Garden.  Notre Dame Guards, Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant, will have to contain Peyton Siva tonight if the Irish want to advance to the Big East Championship Game.  Siva is coming off an 18 point, 8 rebound, and 6 assist performance against Marquette.  The Irish are coming off a squeaker against South Florida as they won in overtime 57-53.  Notre Dame will have to keep shooting well from beyond the arc if they want to beat Louisville.  Look for the Irish to slow down the tempo of the game in order to keep the transition points by the Cardinals to a minimum.

The two keys to the game for Louisville will be if they can score off turnovers and whether or not they can slow down Jack Cooley (scored 18 points in last meeting).  On the other side of the court the Irish will have to slow down Peyton Siva, but they will also have to limit Kyle Kuric’s three point attempts to a minimum.  Expect another jaw dropper in the Garden do not be surprised if this game goes into overtime as it did earlier in the season when Louisville was defeated by the Irish at home in overtime.  The game will be televised at 9 eastern on ESPN after the Connecticut Cincinnati Game.  Follow us on Twitter @Slap The Sign and on Facebook  at Slap The Sign.