Plenty of special events planned for upcoming games in Eblen Center

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- It will be the most important three days in Eblen Center in several years as both of Tennessee Tech's basketball teams bid for Ohio Valley Conference championships. Entering this week, the Tech women's team is in first place and the men's team is only one game out of first place.

Not only are both Tech teams in the thick of championship races, they both come home to host teams that are also in the hunt for the titles -- and some of their biggest rivals.

In order to enhance the homecourt advantage, Tennessee Tech is planning a variety of special events for Thursday, Saturday and Monday nights. Tech hosts Eastern Kentucky on Thursday and Morehead State on Saturday, for doubleheaders beginning each night at 5:30 p.m. On Monday, the men's team entertains Austin Peay in a single game starting at 7 p.m.

Here's the schedule of events, with details below:

Thursday, Feb. 3 -- Doubleheader vs. Eastern Kentucky (5:30/7:30 p.m.)
   * Military Appreciation Night
   * Recognizing Academic Excellence
   * Upward Basketball Night
   * Cumberland Insurance Purple Pride Rally Towels
   * Special Recognition for Kevin Murphy's 1,000 Career Points

Saturday, Feb. 5 -- Doubleheader vs. Morehead State (5:30/7:30 p.m.)
    * Overton County Night
    * Scout Night

Monday, Feb. 7 Men's Game vs. Austin Peay (7 p.m.)
   * TTU Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night
   * Special Recognition for 1,000 All-Time Victories

For Military Appreciation Night, all members of the U.S. military (active and retired) and their families are invited guests, and will receive free admission just by showing a valid military ID at the ticket window. The Tennessee tech Army ROTC will present the colors prior to the National Anthem preceeding tipoff of the women's game.

Recognizing Academic Excellence is an annual event, with area Honor students invited to attend for free by redeeming a voucher available through their schools. Tech's student-athletes on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll will be introduced at halftime of the second game.

For Upward Basketball Night, all youth basketball players are admitted free if they are wearing their game shirts. Youth coaches also admitted free with their teams. Family members can purchase additional tickets for one dollar each.

The first 1,500 fans into Eblen Center will receive a free Purple Pride Rally Towel, compliments of Cumberland Insurance. Fans will also have the opportunity to bring the towel back to all remaining games in February to receive free gifts and prizes.

Just prior to the introduction of the men's starting lineups, junior Kevin Murphy will be recognized for joining the 1,000-Point Club.

On Saturday, residents of Overton County may purchase tickets for one dollar each. It's the fourth "county" night, following earlier games that featured Putnam, White and Jackson Counties.

For Scout Night, all members of the Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations will be admitted free if they are wearing their scout shirt or uniform.

On Monday Tennessee Tech will recognize the  men's team for reaching 1,000 All-Time victories, Several former Golden Eeagle coaches will be on hand for the pregame ceremony.

Tech is also hosting TTU Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night. All Tech employees and their families can purchase tickets for one dollar each).

For additional information on any of these events, please call the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center at (931) 372-3940.