Ball State University Athletics
Hundreds Crowd Arena Floor For Fan Jam
October 31, 2007 | Men's Basketball
Photo Gallery Courtesy of Melanie Maxwell (The Star Press)
MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Ball State Athletics Department hosted its basketball "Fan Jam" on the court at Worthen Arena from Tuesday night.
The free event was presented by Marsh Hometown Markets and the official radio home of the Cardinals, WLBC FM 104.1.
The community event allowed fans a chance to get "up close and personal" with the 2007-08 Ball State men's and women's basketball teams and coaches.
The "Fan Jam" was similar to the BSU Football Fan Jam the last two seasons, which was awarded a national marketing award in 2007 by the National Association of College Marketing Administrators for targeted group promotion.
"We are excited to get the season going and invite everyone to Fan Jam," says first-year head coach Billy Taylor. "Our players will be available in uniform on the court for pictures and autographs. Plus, it's another way my staff and I can introduce ourselves to our community. We are hoping for a large turn out Tuesday as we officially tip-off the season for our fans."
"My team and I can't wait," says BSU women's basketball coach Tracy Roller. "We take so much pride in our Ball State and Muncie communities, that this is just a small way for us to give back and meet those who support us. It's the night before Halloween, so it will be a fun evening in Worthen Arena. I want everyone to come out and meet both teams."
Doors to Fan Jam opened at 6:30 p.m. and allowed fans access to the Worthen Arena playing court, where the BSU Cheerleaders, Code Red Dancers, Pep Band, Charlie Cardinal and several corporate sponsors were set-up to provide free fun and entertainment to all fans.
The men's and women's basketball teams were introduced and available to meet fans, take pictures and sign autographs at halfcourt.
Children and families in attendance received an official "Ball State Basketball Fan Jam" trick-or-treat bag to use Tuesday evening and to take trick-or-treating Wednesday.
In addition, the first 500 kids age 18-and-under will received a free, 5" mini Ball State Basketball, while all fans in attendance picked up the official 2007-08 men's and women's basketball posters.
Exclusive to the 90-minute event was the FREE "WLBC Fan Jam Family Pass", allowing anyone who attended Tuesday's event free general admission for four to BOTH the men's home opener Nov. 9 vs. Butler and the women's home opener Nov. 10 vs. Louisville.
Corporate sponsors who were present at Fan Jam with free giveaways included Marsh, Dillman's Furniture & Mattress, Sports Clips, Penn Station East Coast Subs, Beef-O-Brady's, O'Reilly Auto Parts and WLBC.
