SPRINGFIELD -- Basketball season is just around the corner, and the Missouri State women's basketball program has a number of events in October and throughout the year to get fans excited for the upcoming season.

For more information on any of the events listed below, please contact Terrie Coulter in the women's basketball office at (417) 836-4136 or TCoulter@MissouriState.edu.

The Lady Bears Gala
The second annual Lady Bears Gala will take place on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 5-9 p.m. at Touch Restaurant (1620 E. Republic Road, Springfield). A social hour with appetizers begins at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6. Head coach Kellie Harper will lead a short program and introduce the 2016-17 team, and the evening will conclude with a live auction. Dress is business, and the cost is $125 per person, of which $100 is tax deductible. A table sponsorship for eight guests is $1,000. RSVP by Sept. 28.

Lady Bear Breakfasts
Missouri State Lady Bear Breakfasts will again be held at Village Inn (2036 S. Glenstone), and begin Tuesday, Oct. 11. Attendees may order off a special menu at a cost of $8 per person, and the public is invited to attend. Additional dates include November 8, December 13, January 10, February 14 and March 14. Each breakfast begins at 7 a.m., and weather cancellations will be determined based on MSU's decision to hold or cancel classes.

Bus Trips
MSU is offering five opportunities this season for fans to travel to Lady Bear road games. Bus trips to Kansas (Nov. 13), Missouri (Dec. 2), Oral Roberts (Dec. 7) and Wichita State (Feb. 5) are on the schedule at a cost to be determined. The cost includes bus fare and one game ticket. Meals are not included in the price. A minimum of 50 passengers is required to make each trip, which leaves from Bear Park North on Cherry Street before each game and returns that same day. 

MSU will also offer a bus trip to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Moline, Ill. Fans who sign up for the MVC Tournament are responsible for their owns tickets and lodging. Cost and travel itinerary will be different for the MVC Tournament than regular-season trips.

Summary
Lady Bears Gala - Oct. 2, 5 p.m., Touch Restaurant (1620 E. Republic Road, Springfield)
Lady Bear Breakfasts - 7 a.m. on Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14 and March 14, Village Inn (2036 S. Glenstone, Springfield)
Bus Trips - Nov. 13 at Kansas, Dec. 2 at Missouri, Dec. 7 at Oral Roberts, Feb. 5 at Wichita State, March 9-12 at MVC Tournament