Everything you need to know about the FIU basketball home openers Nov. 14


NL 1 basketballBy Joel Delgado ’12, MS ’17

College basketball season is back — and FIU men’s and women’s basketball will be returning with a festive flair.

Both teams begin their respective seasons at home on Nov. 14 with a double-header at FIU Arena. The women’s team will take on Tennessee Tech at 5:30 p.m. and the men will host Florida College shortly afterwards with a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.

Students can attend both games — and all other FIU Athletics events — for free with a valid student ID. Single-game tickets for the double-header can be purchased at FIUSports.com or by calling 305-FIU-GAME.

But what is happening on the court is just the beginning of the fun and festivities that will be taking place.

Here is everything you need to know about what will be happening before, during and after Friday night’s games:

1. PIG ROAST TAILGATE BEFORE THE WOMEN’S GAME

At 3:30 p.m. on the plaza in front of FIU Arena, FIU Campus Life will present a free pig roast tailgate which will include a “12th Panther” jersey giveaway, free food, music courtesy of the Miami Heat’s DJ M Dot and more in front of FIU Arena.

ESPN Deportes and shopFIU will also be on hand with giveaways during the tailgate.

Seriously, who doesn’t want free stuff and free lechón?

2. GOOD ATTENDANCE = FREE TEAM GEAR

Not only do students get to attend every game for free with a valid student ID, this season students will be rewarded for supporting the blue and gold! Student attendance punch cards will be available inside the student gate at both the women’s and men’s basketball games.

Students who attend 10 women’s basketball home games this season will receive free official team gear at the end of the season. If you attend nine men’s basketball games this season, you will also receive free official team gear at the end of the season.

Take a look at the men’s basketball schedule and women’s basketball schedule to find out when the Panthers play at home and mark your calendars now!

3. GET YOUR AUTOGRAPHS    

Between the conclusion of the women’s game and tip-off for the men’s game, there will be a women’s basketball autograph session in the arena lobby. Don’t miss this chance to meet some of your favorite players like Marita Davydova or Tynia McKinzie!

4. POST-GAME PARTY (WITH MORE FREE FOOD)

Immediately following the final buzzer of the men’s game, the party continues on the arena plaza with a student post-game party with free pizza (two words that always go great together) and music from DJ M Dot.