February 5, 2009

Grand Re-Opening of Vadalabene Center Set for Saturday

February 5, 2009

          EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - After completing a $6 million makeover, the Vadalabene Center on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will celebrate a grand re-opening this Saturday, February 7th.
          A brief re-dedication ceremony will take place before Saturday's men's basketball game against South Dakota.
          Doors will be open at 6 p.m. Facility tours will be available at 6 p.m. The re-dedication ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. Tip-off time is set for 7:30 p.m.
          General admission tickets are available for $5 and can be obtained by calling the SIUE Athletics Ticket Office at 618-650-2841. Lower Level reserved chairback seating is available for $14 and $11 depending on location. Special prices are available for SIUE Alumni Association members, SIUE staff and faculty, and large groups purchasing tickets in advance.
          SIUE Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Hewitt commented on the events to take place on Feb. 7th.
          "The changes that have been made to the Vadalabene Center have dramatically improved our ability to compete on the NCAA Division I level as well as in the Ohio Valley Conference," said Hewitt. "We are excited that the renovation has proven to be a positive for our athletics programs as well as the University community."
          Saturday's game has a number of special events.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.

The dedication ceremony begins at 7:10 p.m.

The St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders will be signing autographs and will perform at halftime of the game

The 1967-68 SIUE men's basketball team, the first to lace up for the Cougars, will be introduced to the crowd as they sit courtside.

Tours of the facility will start at approximately 6 p.m.

SIUE men's and women's basketball players will be available after the game to sign autographs for fans.
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