Rice fans and students will get an early peak at the upcoming season on Thursday, Nov. 4th, when the women’s and men’s basketball programs co-host Hootin’ Hoops in Tudor Fieldhouse. The event tips off at 7 p.m.
Fans will have an opportunity to meet members of both teams and receive player autographs while women’s head coach Greg Williams and men’s coach Ben Braun will preview their upcoming seasons. Fans and students will also have an opportunity to learn chants and cheers during a simulated game played during the evening.
Both the Rice cheerleading squad and dance team will perform and Sammy the Owl will also entertain. The Rice Basketball Owl Band (BOB) will musically set the stage during the evening.
Additionally, fans can get geared up for the upcoming season by visiting the Rice Team Store which will be open during the event.
Following an exhibition game against Texas A&M International on Nov. 8, the men’s team opens the regular season Nov. 12 when the Owls play host to St. Thomas. The men’s 2010-11 home schedule includes nonconference games against Arizona, LSU and TCU as well as a conference schedule which includes preseason conference favorites Memphis, Southern Miss and UTEP.
After opening the season at the World Vision Invitational hosted by Baylor, the Rice women open at home against Stephen F. Austin on Nov. 17. The nonconference schedule for the women also includes Texas A&M on Nov. 20 while the Gene Hackerman Invitational is set for Dec. 3-4 in Tudor Fieldhouse. Rice opens Conference USA play at home against UCF on Jan. 6.
For information on purchasing season tickets, fans may go to the ticket link at RiceOwls.com or call the Rice Ticket Office at (713) 522-6957.
