The University Athletic Association, Inc., has announced that it will hold the inaugural Rowdy Fest on Wed., Oct. 21, in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center at 6:30 p.m. The event will serve as a tip-off party for Gator Basketball, staged exclusively for University of Florida students. Members of the men’s basketball team, as well as Head Coach Billy Donovan, will be on hand at the event.

UF students with valid Gator1 ID can enter the arena via Gate 3 at 6:30 p.m. The first 500 students will receive free pizza and drinks. There will be videos and music and Coach Donovan and several players will talk about the upcoming Gator basketball season. Students will also learn about new Rowdy Reptile initiatives planned for the 2009-10 season.

The men’s basketball regular season tips off Sun., Nov. 15, at home against Stetson. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m. from the O’Dome. The first 1,500 fans will receive schedule key tags. UF Faculty and Staff members, with valid ID, can purchase 2-for-1 tickets Monday through Friday the week before the game at the Gator Ticket Office. For more information on Gator ticket packages, log on to GatorZone.com or call 1-800-34-GATOR.

-UF-