With four starters returning from Illinois States 21-9 mens basketball team that earned a bid to the National Invitation Tournament and posted the nations fourth-best turnaround, Redbird Arena is expected to be rocking for the 2001-02 season.
In addition to making a run for the Missouri Valley Conference championship, the Redbirds return senior guard Tarise Bryson. Bryson, the reigning conference player of the year, is the nations top returning scorer. Coming off of his 22.8 points per game last season, Bryson finds himself just 513 points away from Doug Collins career scoring record.
Head coach Tom Richardson knows how important the crowd is when developing a home court advantage.
With our fans, Redbird Arena is a tough place to play, Richardson said. But when the place is filled to the rafters, it is a nearly impossible place to play for our opponents. That is the type of home court advantage we want to establish and thats the type of atmosphere a team needs when competing for a conference title. The home portion of the schedule is so important.
Bryson agreed with how vital of a roll the fans play.
When Redbird (Arena) is loud, it makes you search for a little extra, Bryson said. Thats why I enjoy playing Bradley so much (at our place), because you know the arenas going to be packed.
Season tickets are currently on sale and to be a part of the action individuals may order by telephone (309/438-8000), mail or in person at the Illinois State athletics ticket office. Single game tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. on October 15.
Pricing for the season ticket packages is as follows: General Public (lower bowl-TRC gift required), $180; General Public (upper bowl), $150; Faculty/Staff (lower bowl-TRC gift required), $144; Faculty/Staff (upper bowl), $120; Birds Nest (upper bowl end zone seats for every home game), $90;
Reggie Redbird Card, (Club membership and opportunity to buy $3 tickets - Must be 14 & under), $20.
