Pre-game with Gillen
If you're looking for free food, free T-shirts and a chance to rub elbows with the men's basketball team, stop by the Student Appreciation Day tonight at the University amphitheater before you watch the NCAA Championship game.
The basketball team along with coach Pete Gillen will arrive at 5 p.m. to greet students. Gillen personally will hand out T-shirts to the first 1,500 students to come to the amphitheater.
The first 2,000 students also will receive free hot dogs and Pepsi.
Students will be able to enter a free raffle and the winner of the grand prize will win a pre-game meal with the team next year at the Aberdeen Barn. Other raffle prizes include Reebok apparel and gift certificates to local restaurants.
Andrew Rader, the associate director of sports promotions, said Gillen was the one who brought forward the idea for a fan appreciation day.
"He just wants to show his appreciation for student support," Rader said, adding that he hopes Gillen will make Student Appreciation Day an annual event.
Rader commented on the uniqueness of the event.
"Pete Gillen is not sure this has ever been done, where a season-ending appreciation day has been held for students," he said.
Fourth-year Engineering student T.J. Zitkevitz said he is looking forward to tonight's event.
"It's going to be great to hear the team speak for the last time," Zitkevitz said. "It's going to be the last time some of the players are going to be here at the University before they walk the Lawn," he added about the graduating players.
Rader said he expects the program to end after 6 p.m. The rain date is Thursday at the same time and location.
- Sam Bresnahan
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