Oct. 13, 2011
SPRINGFIELD - The Missouri State University basketball teams will gear up for the 2011-12 season in style with a pair of preseason events slated for JQH Arena in the coming week.
The team's Twilight Tip-Off event begins Sunday (Oct. 16) at 7 p.m. The fan-friendly night with the Bears and Lady Bears is free and will feature intrasquad scrimmages from both teams, a dunk contest, three-point shootout, autographs and a performance by the Sugar Bears. Team posters will also be available at the event.
Gates for the Twilight Tip-Off open at 6:30 p.m. to the general public and 5:45 p.m. for those holding Ashley Furniture passes. The Ashley Furniture passes, which include access to a pregame fan reception in the PRIME Overtime Club, loge seats, and a chance to win $1,000 in the Ashley's three-point shot promotion, are free and can be picked up at the Ashley Furniture Midnight Madness sale on Friday. Lady Bears' head coach Nyla Milleson will be at the Midnight Madness event at the Springfield Ashley Furniture location (1715 E. Independence) at 6:30 p.m., followed by men's coach Paul Lusk at 8:30 p.m. Free hot dogs and cookies are available at the sale, along with special discounts until midnight.
On Sunday, the BearWear team store will be open for the Twilight Tip-Off event. Sunday is also the first public practice for either team. Per NCAA rules, the Lady Bears began practicing on Oct. 3, while the Bears will conduct their first practice in a closed session at 5 p.m. Friday.
Bears and Lady Bears single-game and season tickets are currently available by stopping by JQH Arena or calling (417) 836-7678. Single-game tickets are also available on-line at www.MissouriStateTix.com. MSU staff, faculty and senior discounts are available for single-game and season ticket packages.
MSU basketball media day will also take place next week at JQH Arena, starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Media representatives are encouraged to attend the event which will include a press conference featuring Coach Lusk and Coach Milleson, as well as player photo and interview breakout stations. Season credentials and parking permits will also be distributed at Media Day.
Missouri Valley Conference basketball media day is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 25 in St. Louis. The MVC preseason polls and preseason all-conference teams will be announced then, and Commissioner Doug Elgin will issue his annual State of the Valley address. The league is also expected to formally announce the 2011-12 national and regional television package at that time.
