COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A slam dunk contest, 3-point shootouts,
a chance to meet all of the players and coaches, and drawings for
exclusive prizes. Those are some of the highlights planned for the
first Purple Palooza, a tip-off celebration of Tennessee Tech
basketball and introduction to the Golden Eagle men’s and
women’s teams.
Purple Palooza -- similar to Midnight Madness but earlier in the
day -- is set for Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. in Tech’s
Eblen Center. Admission is free, and all Tech basketball fans,
students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in the
festivities.
Tech students are invited to enjoy free pizza and sign up for
prizes on the concourse of the arena beginning at 6 p.m. In the
Eagles Nest, season ticket holders and Athletics Association donors
will enjoy a reception and chance to meet and mingle with players
and staff.
Out on the arena floor, the action begins at 7 p.m. with
introductions of the Tech cheer and dance teams. The Golden Eagle
women’s team, under first-year coach Jim Davis, will take the
floor for introductions and a 10-minute, intrasquad scrimmage as
fans will view the 2012-13 edition of the squad for the first time
in action. The roster will feature eight returnees and five new
faces.
After the scrimmage, drawings will take place for exclusive
women’s basketball gear.
Coach Steve Payne’s men’s team will then begin its portion of the evening with introductions and a 10-minute intrasquad scrimmage. Fans will have their first opportunity to watch eight newcomers mix it up with the team’s four returnees.
Another drawing will take place, where fans can win exclusive gear from the men’s program.
The fun will continue with a 3-point shootout among four
long-distance sharpshooters from each team. As soon as the snipers
determine a winner, a drawing will be held for Tech students to win
prizes.
The highlight of the night could be the slam dunk contest,
featuring four Golden Eagle players and judged by a panel including
students, alumni and faculty.
Another drawing will give students the chance to win valuable gift
cards, followed by an on-court autograph session with both
teams.
For additional information, please call the Athletic Marketing
office at (931) 372-3669.
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