Fans of University of Florida men’s basketball will get to see the Gators in Jacksonville Friday when they play Rider University at Veterans Memorial Arena in the “Holiday Hoops” game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Rider Broncs are traveling from Lawrenceville, N.J. to face UF. They’re an NCAA Division I team that plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Head Coach Tommy Dempsey is in his 6th season with the team.
The Gators are bringing the home game experience to Jacksonville, said Michael Bouda, the City’s Sports & Entertainment coordinator.
In addition to the team, the UF band and cheerleaders are making the trip from Gainesville for the game. Gator mascots Albert and Alberta will be available for pictures with fans at 6 p.m. before the game and autographed basketballs will be given away at halftime by Mayor Alvin Brown and First Coast News Sports Director Dan Hicken, Bouda said.
Tickets are available at the Arena box office and at www.ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $10-$75 and tickets for are being offered on a buy one, get one free basis beginning today.
“We want to fill the arena with fans,” said Bouda.
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