Gold Rush, Legends, Military/Public Safety Appreciation cap off big week in Eblen Center

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- There is so much more in store than meets the eye this weekend when Tennessee Tech hosts three crucial Ohio Valley Conference games in Eblen Center.

On Thursday evening, the Golden Eagle men’s team will welcome Tennessee State in an 8 p.m., nationally televised contest to determine second place in the Ohio Valley Conference East Division.

On Saturday, the two Tech teams will host an OVC doubleheader against Belmont. While the women’s teams are fighting for positions in the OVC standings, the men’s teams could be squaring off for first place in the division. The Belmont men enter this week with a 7-0 league record, while the Golden Eagle men are 6-2.

To be sure, the games are crucial to both Jim Davis’ women’s team and Steve Payne’s Golden Eagle men’s team. The women’s contest Saturday tips off at 5:30 p.m. and the men’s tilt is slated for a 7:30 p.m. opening tip.

A handful of special events and promotions are scheduled to enhance the festivities.

At Thursday’s game, coach Steve Payne and his staff will don their sneakers to compliment their attire in the annual Coaches vs. Cancer initiative.

Saturday’s games will feature Basketball Legends Night, with former players invited back from both programs for recognition and reminiscing. Saturday is also Tech’s annual Gold Rush, with fans encouraged to “paint” the arena gold by wearing gold-colored clothing. In addition, the first 1,500 fans into the arena will be given free Gold Rush t-shirts.

All former Tech basketball players and coaches are encouraged to attend this special night honoring the legend of the university's historic programs. Tech will recognize the women’s players at halftime of the women’s game and the men at halftime of the men’s.
In between games the returning players are invited to a special function in the Eagles Nest. Players are asked to contact Kristie Phillips either by email (kphillips@tntech.edu) or with a phone call (931-372-6554) by Friday.

The doubleheader Saturday will also play host to Tech’s annual Military and Public Safety Appreciation Night, with free admission to current and former members of the military and their immediate family, as well as those who serve in public safety positions.

For additional information on the games or Military/Public Safety free ticket offers, or to reserve tickets to the games, contact the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or call (931) 372-3940. Tickets may also be purchased online at TTUsports.com.