TicketsAdmission to the Bearcat Basketball Fan Jam, presented by Skyline Chili is $5, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the medical expenses of UC Dance Team member Kristin Drew, who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Due to the fundraising nature of this event, there will be no complimentary admissions to the Fan Jam. All patrons, including UC students, will be paid admissions.
"Cancer is a terrible disease and everyone should join in the fight to help Kristin with her battle" says second-year head coach Mick Cronin. "Our family suffered a terrible loss when cancer took my mom a few years back, and I can empathize with what the Drew Family is going through right now. I know that I can count on our Bearcat fans to come out and support both Kristin, and UC basketball with their attendance at this event."
Activities commence with the "CHAMPIONS WALK", launching from the Oscar Robertson Statue in Victory Plaza at 3:15 p.m. Coach Cronin will address the crowd with a pep talk and lead the one mile walk through campus. The course will go up O'Varsity Way, through CCM Plaza, down Main Street, past the Campus Recreation Center, and over to the east side of Fifth Third Arena where patrons will then enter the venue for the start of the RED/BLACK Scrimmage. Participation in the walk is free and the first 1,000 fans to complete the walk with Coach Cronin and the team will receive a complimentary adidas UC hat.
At 4:30 p.m., the team will tip-off the Fan Jam with the RED/BLACK scrimmage. The first 1,000 fans in Fifth Third Arena will receive a complimentary UC basketball T-shirt. At the end of the scrimmage, fans will have the chance to have UC men's basketball student-athletes autograph their T-shirts. Coach Cronin will also address the crowd as will select members of the Bearcat team. Patrons also will receive the new 2007-08 UC men's basketball team calendar posters as they exit the building.
"Cincinnati basketball fans are passionate about the Bearcats and it is always a great time to get out in the community and have the chance to meet the Bearcat faithful" says Cronin. "Having great partners like Skyline Chili and adidas putting their energy behind this event will make it an instant Bearcat basketball tradition that we can continue for many years."
UC men's basketball opens the exhibition season on Wednesday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Fifth Third Arena against the Norse of Northern Kentucky University. For season ticket information please call the UC Athletics Ticket Office at 1-877-CATS-TIX or click on the web to www.CATSTIX.com.