SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State's men's and women's basketball teams will be front and center at BearFest village prior to the nationally-televised football game vs. FIU on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Both teams will start their fan-friendly tailgate on the brick bear head in BearFest village at 5:30 p.m. with team and coaching staff introductions, skills and shooting competitions, fan interaction, and giveaways for the "Ballin' at BearFest" event. The Pride Band pep rally will take place on the brick bear head shortly after Ballin' at BearFest

Both teams will also be introduced on the field during the game.

The Lady Bears open exhibition play next Tuesday (Oct. 28) against Northeastern State at 6:30 p.m., with the regular-season opener the following Monday (Nov. 3) against in-state rival Saint Louis.

The Bears host a Halloween exhibition planned for Friday, Oct. 31 against Maryville University before opening up the 2025-26 campaign on Tuesday, Nov. 4 against Missouri Southern at Great Southern Bank Arena.

Single-game and season tickets are available for both squads through the Missouri State Athletics Box Office at Great Southern Bank Arena, (417) 836-7678, during regular box office hours, or online at MissouriStateBears.com/tickets.