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COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- All fans attending the Tennessee Tech men's basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 30, are encouraged to wear gold to Eblen Center, and the first 1,500 fans into the arena will receive a free "Gold Rush" t-shirt when the Golden Eagles host Tennessee State in an Ohio Valley Conference game at 7 p.m.

The night features a couple of other special promotional events, including Academic Excellence Night with free admission to Honor Roll students throughout the Upper Cumberland region. It will also be 98.5 KISS FM Night.

"We're hoping to 'paint' the entire arena gold for this event, so we're asking all of our fans that night to wear gold to the game," said Leveda Birdwell, director of corporate sales and marketing. "We have 1,500 'Gold Rush' t-shirts that will be given to the first 1,500 fans, and we're hoping to see a fantastic, energetic atmosphere to support the team."

Tech Athletics has hosted a Golden Eagle Blackout at a home football game each of the past two seasons, events that have drawn big crowds and helped enhance the Free 'Gold Rush' t-shirts to excitement in the stadium. The Gold Rush is the first such event to be staged at a Golden Eagle basketball game.

All area honor roll students have been invited to the game as guests of the Golden Eagles, with free admission by presenting an Academic Excellence voucher or report card at the Ticket Office. Golden Eagle student-athletes on Tennessee Tech's fall semester Athletic Director's Honor Roll, more than 200 strong, will be introduced at halftime.

As part of the Kiss 98.5 FM Night promotion, 98.5 KISS FM personality and star of 'The Freak Show in the Mornings,' Freaky Dave will host some of the nights timeout activities and give out prizes to fans.

For additional information on any of the events scheduled that night, or ticket information for the remainder of the season, please call (931) 372-3940.