PEORIA, Ill. - With ticket demand for the "Tradition Plays in Peoria" luncheon welcoming new Bradley Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds and men's basketball head coach Brian Wardle swelling toward 1,000, the June 2 event is being moved to the Peoria Civic Center ballroom.
"The public's response to the luncheon has been overwhelming," said Ken Goldin, luncheon organizer and former Bradley University Business Manager. "The University is pleased with the high interest level and we certainly do not want to turn anybody away. We appreciate the Peoria Civic Center's eagerness to host the event under the same roof as the gameday home of Bradley Basketball."
Chaired by Goldin and emceed by Hall of Fame Voice of the Braves Dave Snell, the June 2 welcome luncheon will combine many of the elements from the popular Braves Club Game Day Luncheons, as well as the preseason Bradley Basketball Gala. Doors will open and lunch service will begin at 11:15 a.m. with the speaking program to begin at noon. Snell is preparing one of his popular videos, the speaking program will include remarks from both Reynolds and Wardle and Goldin will conclude the event with his classic presentation of door prizes.
A native Peorian and Peoria High School graduate who played college basketball for Bobby Knight at Indiana before embarking on an impressive administrative career in college athletics, Reynolds officially was introduced as Bradley's 10th Director of Athletics March 16. After an immediate evaluation of the Bradley Basketball program, Reynolds moved expediantly with changes in the program's leadership and announced Wardle as the program's 14th head coach March 27.
Both Reynolds and Wardle cited the relationship between Bradley University and the local community as a primary factor in the decision to pursue their current positions and the June 2 luncheon is designed as a demonstration of the community's passionate support.
Tickets for the event are on sale now through the Braves Club Office by contacting Jackie Rea (309-677-2667 or jdiemer@bradley.edu) and are $20 for Braves Club members, $25 for the general public. The Peoria Civic Center is offering free surface parking in both the Marquee and Fulton parking lots adjacent to the facility.
Bradley Basketball 2014-15 season-ticket holders who renew their tickets for the 2015-16 season during the first week of renewal will be entered into a drawing for a pair of luncheon tickets. Season-ticket renewal forms will go out in the mail Friday and will be due back to the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office by Monday, June 15. Season-ticket holders who renew between May 18-22 will be entered into the drawing for three pairs of "Tradition Plays in Peoria" luncheon tickets.
Ticket prices and season-ticket maintenance costs will not change for the 2015-16 season. Seat Change Request forms will be included with the renewal information and all seat-change requests will be processed in July. For more information or questions, contact the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office in Renaissance Coliseum at (309) 677-2625.
