PEORIA, Ill. - A sold-out crowd of 1,200 fans enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on the history of Bradley Basketball while turning their attention to the future during the "Tradition Plays in Peoria" luncheon Tuesday at the Peoria Civic Center.
The crowd, which included some of the greatest players in Bradley Basketball history spanning several generations (Mitchell Anderson, Roger Phegley, Hon. Joe Billy McDade among them), was treated to a classic Dave Snell video on the tradition of Bradley Basketball to tip off Tuesday's luncheon. Snell's video is available for viewing by clicking the "play" button in the center of this article's picture, or by clicking Bradley Basketball History Video in the Related Links box to the right.
Emceed by the Voice of the Braves himself, Dave Snell, Tuesday's speaking program included remarks from Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, Missouri Valley Conference commissioner Doug Elgin, former Bradley Baseball star and current University Trustee Hon. James Shadid, Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds and men's basketball head coach Brian Wardle. Loyal Bradley fan Mark Scott also directed an auction for the purchase of a front table to sit with Wardle during the Bids for the Braves Auction Sept. 26 - the winning bid was $5,000 - and the event culminated with the comedic awarding of door prizes by luncheon organizer Ken Goldin.
The attendees also were the first to learn Bradley Basketball's 2015-16 non-conference schedule. Among the schedule highlights, Bradley will host Ball State for the Nov. 13 season opener and the Braves also will host Southeastern Conference member Ole Miss Nov. 28 and Big 12 Conference member TCU Dec. 23 as part of a 17-game home schedule that will be played entirely at Carver Arena. The 17-game season-ticket package equals the largest package of Carver Arena games in the facility's 34-year history, equalling the 2006-07 and 2007-08 totals.
During his speech, Reynolds also announced Bradley Athletics once again will host the popular Spaghetti Supper at the ITOO Hall on Farmington Road. A specific date in September for the event is to be announced and Reynolds also indicated if the Spaghetti Supper sells out in advance, a second event will be added.
Immediately following Tuesday's luncheon, fans were invited to explore Carver Arena, including the men's basketall locker room, where Wardle and his new staff - assistant coaches Drew Adams, Mike Bargen and Jimmie Foster, as well as director of operations Rick Karius - continued to interact with the crowd.
While the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office is continuing the men's basketball season-ticket renewal process, new season-ticket purchases will be accepted later this summer. Despite an increase in the number of games in the package, season-ticket prices will not increase for the 2015-16 season. In fact, a new family-friendly option has been created: a $150 option that includes four tickets for all 17 home games. Additional season tickets for the Family section may be added for $40 each.
Fans seeking more information on Bradley Basketball season tickets are invited to contact the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office at Renaissance Coliseum in person or by calling (309) 677-2625.
