Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tipoff festival features food, fun, scrimmages, dunk contest and more

The event begins with a special indoor tailgate buffet for ETSU students and BASA members who are Buccaneer season ticket holders at 5:30 p.m., followed by the event itself at 7 p.m. Admission is free to the public. Those planning to attend the tailgate must RSVP to 423-439-5287.

The Bluenanza - which will be highlighted by scrimmages for both the ETSU men's and women's teams, a 3-point shooting contest, a slam dunk contest, and an autograph session - will also feature several MEGA-prize giveaways for both students and fans. For fans, a front row parking spot, a premium hospitality pass to the Ward Room and premium courtside seats will be given away, while students will have a chance to win a Nintendo Wii gaming system, as well as BestBuy gift cards.

In addition, BASA will host its annual silent auction during the event, with items in the auction and include official ETSU athletic team gear from many of the school's programs, "Buccaneer Experience" team trips, "Coach for a Day" and "Cheerleader for a Game" packages, trips for two to a Tennessee Titans home game (which includes dinner and accommodations), a one week stay at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, N.C., and much more.

"Last year's event was a huge success and this year we only plan to make things even bigger," said ETSU's Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Development and Regional Athletic Advancement Kevin Bostian. "The Bluenanza gives our fans a chance to get an early look at our teams, while also helping to build momentum toward what we hope is another back-to-back run to the NCAA Tournament for both our men and women."

For more information on Buccaneer athletics, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.