Nov. 22, 2007
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Prior to beginning play at the Old Spice Classic, members of the UCF men's basketball team had the chance to relax and tour one of Orlando's top tourist attractions on Wednesday night. Following the tournament banquet at MGM Studios, members of the eight teams competing at the event had the opportunity to enjoy a pair of rides at the theme park.
Several Knights rode on the Tower of Terror and the Rock `n' Roller Coaster. The players, coaches, staff members and families attending the banquet were given private access to the rides after the park was closed.
The banquet, which began at 7 p.m., featured traditional Thanksgiving fare - turkey, stuffing and green beans.
The Knights open the tournament on Thursday evening, facing No. 19 Villanova at 7 p.m. The contest from the Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports, will be televised live nationally on ESPN2.
On Friday, the Knights will play either George Mason or No. 20 Kansas State. George Mason is currently garnering votes in both national polls.NC State, Penn State, Rider and South Carolina are also participating in the event. No games are scheduled for Saturday and the tournament will conclude on Sunday.
All of the contests at the event will be televised live nationally on ESPN2 or ESPNU.
On Thursday, tickets can be purchased at the Milk House box office.Season tickets for UCF home games are available by calling 407-UCF-1000. Single-game tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the UCF box office at Bright House Networks Stadium.
UCF's next contest at the new UCF Arena is slated for Nov. 28 against Presbyterian. UCF is 2-0 in 2007-08 after topping national power Nevada and Norfolk State at home.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out www.ucfphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Notes: Former New Mexico and St. John's head coach Fran Fraschilla served as the guest speaker at the banquet. Fraschilla, along with Len Elmore, will be providing color commentary for the television broadcasts... The Knights, along with the other seven squads, are staying at the Cornado Springs Resort on Disney property.