Top Story
February 9, 2009
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Men’s basketball makes special debut on Valentine’s Day
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Senior center, Lawrence Billings, makes a shot for Metro State against Regis University on Jan. 20. |
The final regular season home game for the Metropolitan State College of Denver men’s basketball team has turned into a sweet deal for the team and the College community. On Saturday, Feb. 14, the Roadrunners’ game against Colorado Christian University will be nationally televised at 1 p.m. (MST) on CBS CollegeSports.
The game, to be played at the Event Center on the Auraria Campus, is part of the 2009 NCAA Division II regular season TV package. “This is the first time that Metro State basketball will play on national television here at home,” says Athletic Director Joan McDermott. “Our campus community and our fans have been so important to our success. Our appearance on national television is a testament to their support and the tradition we have here at Metro State.”
To thank the students, faculty and staff for their support, the College is hosting Fan Appreciation Day in conjunction with the game. A tailgate party is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the Auraria Event Center. Admission is free to the tailgate party with food being provided by Qdoba.
The tailgate party will include giveaways and prizes, along with entertainment provided by the Roadrunner Pride pep band. Under the direction of Visiting Assistant Professor of Music David Romines, the 18-member band debuted last month, playing a collection of standards such as “Proud Mary” and “Hawaii Five-0.”
The band will play for the men’s game as well as the women’s game, which follows. “This is a wonderful opportunity for national exposure as well as the chance to have the students and their families involved in campus activities,” adds McDermott. Tuba player Keith Larsen says, “A lot of people are just looking for a college community to get involved with. There are a lot of fans that are already into it. We’re just here to get it pumped up even more. I think it really adds to the energy of the game. It’s just great to influence your team in a positive way and it’s kind of fun to heckle a little bit, too.”
Metro State junior Stephanie Robins, who is captain and coach of the Metro State cheers squad, says that the addition of a pep band is an inspiration to her squad of cartwheelers and fight song-singers. “They definitely bring a lot to the event, and we’re happy to have them,” says Robins. “They’ve really helped to bring in a lot more people to the game. It makes it a lot of fun for us to be here.”
CBS CollegeSports airs on the following stations: DirecTV 613, Dish Network 152, Comcast Denver 412. The game will also be aired on Altitude2 (Comcast Denver 5). Special ticket prices for Fan Appreciation Day range from $7 for adults to $20 for a family four pack. This includes entry to both games, sodas and hot dogs. Metro State students (with a valid student ID) and children under five are free.
Free parking is available in Campus Lot R (located off Auraria Parkway and Speer Boulevard.)
For more information about Metro State athletics, visit http://gometrostate.cstv.com/genrel/012209aaa.html.
