NORMAL, Ill. – Fans are encouraged to come early for Pack the Arena and stay late for Hoopfest, as Illinois State will host a free event featuring Redbird men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball teams, Friday, Oct. 23 at Redbird Arena.
The Redbird volleyball team will first take on Wichita State in the team's annual Pack the Arena match, presented by Papa John's Pizza, beginning at 6 p.m. The women's basketball and men's basketball teams will follow with their annual Hoopfest season tipoff events, after the conclusion of the volleyball match.
The event is free for all fans, and doors will open at 5 p.m.
Between Pack the Arena and Hoopfest, Illinois State Athletics, in partnership with Illinois State Alumni Relations, will present the 2015 student homecoming court and name the student homecoming king and queen. Hot dogs will be just $1 and the first 100 students entering Redbird Arena will receive a Redbird knit hat.
The Pack the Arena volleyball match will pit the Redbirds against rival Wichita State, pegged the Missouri Valley Conference favorite in a preseason coaches' poll.
In addition to the annual men's and women's basketball teams' intrasquad scrimmages, Hoopfest will feature both teams taking part in shooting competitions involving fans, a kids' dunk contest, and autograph sessions with both teams.
There will be an expanded fun zone for kids on the south concourse at Redbird Arena featuring an inflatable bounce house.
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