EIU Basketball Events Set For This Weekend

CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois basketball will take part in three events as the Panthers host Ohio Valley Conference foes UT Martin and Southeast Missouri this weekend.  The men will host UT Martin at 7 p.m. on Thursday with a doubleheader with SEMO set for 4 & 6 p.m. on Saturday.  The women close out on Monday night hosting UTM at 7 p.m.

On Thursday the men’s program will honor our nation’s wounded heroes during the game in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project.  EIU has invited three local Wounded Warriors to join the team as part of its game day schedule.  The three Wounded Warriors being honored at Thursday’s contest are Blake Leitch (currently an EIU student and veteran), Eric Debault (currently an EIU graduate student and veteran) and Sgt. Garrett Anderson.

The mission of the WWP is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors.  WWP is a nonprofit organization with the vision to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.

On Saturday, EIU will host a Kid’s Day game with all children receiving admission to the game for $3.  Inflatable games along with other kid’s day activities will take place prior to each game and at halftime of each contest.  Following each game the women’s and men’s basketball teams will sign autographs.

Saturday also marks this year’s Coaches vs. Cancer day.  A special Coaches vs. Cancer shirt will be available for purchase at the game with all proceeds going to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Basketball action wraps up on Monday with the women hosting UT Martin.  A special 3-2-1 promotion is available that night with $3 tickets, $2 hot dogs and $1 drinks.

Tickets for each game can be purchased at the gate or by calling 217-581-2106.