Looks like SIU is pulling out all of the stops to get a full house for Bradley. They did it on New Year's Day for Belmont and had over 7,000 in the house.
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois — Are You Ready — to PARTY.
On Sunday, Feb. 19, Saluki men's basketball will host a Mardi Gras-themed game versus Bradley at 1 p.m., in front of a national television audience on ESPN2. The party continues at 5 p.m. when the women host Murray State. Tickets for the men's game are also valid for the women's contest.
The fun starts early, with Banterra Center doors opening at 11:30 a.m. for a special performance in the Charles Helleny Pavilion by a jazz ensemble from the SIU School of Music.
From noon to 12:30 p.m., members of the 2002 Sweet 16 team will be available in the pavilion to meet fans and autograph commemorative posters. Saluki Hall of Fame members Bruce Weber, Kent Williams and Jermaine Dearman are among the confirmed attendees. Approximately 2,000 posters will be available.
The game tips off at 1 p.m., and with Coach Weber in the house, what better way to start the pivotal matchup versus the Braves than with fireworks during the starting lineup! Who remembers Indiana?!
Indiana came to the Arena in Dec. 2001. SIU won 72-60. It was SIU's 2002 Sweet 16 year and I think Indiana ended up making the Final Four that year. They did fireworks for the starting lineups that day. Hopefully, the ventilation system is better now in the remodeled building. It was smoky in there for quite a while.
During halftime, we have 5,000 beads to toss throughout the Banterra Center! Many of the beads will be tagged with special redemption items from sponsors such as McAlister's and Smoothie King.
The Saluki Pep Band will bring the Mardi Gras tunes, and we'll even pick some students for a King Cake-eating contest.
Finally, it's also our annual SIH Blackout Cancer game, and we'll recognize the winning bidders who purchased jerseys in support of the Coach Kill Cancer Fund.
It's a party with a great cause. Tickets are available starting at $7 by entering promo code "PARTY".