Fans will have the opportunity to meet players and coaches from the Ball State University men's and women's teams today at Worthen Arena.
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will host "Fan Jam," from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The free event will be similar to the football "Fan Jam" the department has held the past two years, said Chris Taylor, director of communications and marketing.
"The goal is to attract Ball State fans, alumni, family and students to Worthen Arena and get them up close to coaches and players," Taylor said.
Fans will be able to go onto the court and get giveaways from corporate sponsors and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, he said. Cheerleaders, the Code Red Dancers, the pep band and Charlie Cardinal will also provide entertainment during the event, he said.
Fans will get free posters of the men's and women's basketball teams. The first 500 fans who are 18 years old and younger will get a free mini basketball. Children will also get trick-or-treat bags to collect gifts.
Fans will be able to buy season tickets and merchandise at the event, as well.
At 7 p.m. players who do not have night classes and the coaches of the teams will be introduced, Taylor said. They will greet fans, take pictures and sign autographs until 8 p.m., he said.
Taylor said the purpose of the event is to increase attendance at games and build a relationship with Ball State fans.
"It's an important event for our community and the Muncie community to meet the men's and women's teams and get excited for the upcoming seasons," he said.
The event was inspired by the football team's "Fan Jam," which won an award as one of the two best group promotions by the National Association of College Marketing Administrators, Taylor said.
More than 1,500 people attended the football "Fan Jam," he said.
"We're expecting nothing less and hopefully more," Taylor said.
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