http://www.sunbeltsports.org/ViewArticle...ID=3685439

Sun Belt Conference Hosts Alumni Functions
Written by: Sun Belt Conference

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – When they step inside Summit Arena for the 2009 Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, cheering fans of opposing teams may not have much in common.



But off the court, they will have the opportunity to meet and mingle at two separate events to get to know each other outside of the stands.

Alumni and fans are invited to attend the Champagne Reception in the Grand Lobby of the Hot Springs Convention Center on Sunday, March 8. From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., where they can enjoy complimentary breakfast and mimosas as well as live music.



“It’s great seeing all the fans by the bus load,” Executive Director of the UALR Alumni Association Christian O’Neal said. “It gives fans a chance to interact.”



O’Neal helped coordinate this year’s event, and he said the reception is a great new tradition for the Sun Belt Conference. The popularity of the reception could be seen in last year’s turnout, as upward of 500-600 fans came out to enjoy the relaxed setting as they got ready to cheer on their teams.



To show their support, fans are asked to come dressed in fan attire or school colors, and the reception is open to all alumni from all 13 Sun Belt schools. Fans interested in attending the event should contact their alumni offices to let them know they are coming.



O’Neal and Arkansas State Alumni Relations Executive Director Beth Smith worked closely with the staff of the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors’ Bureau to make sure fans could see and learn about the beauty of Hot Springs and the many attractions it has to offer, such as historic Bath House Row and Hot Springs National Park.



“There is plenty for fans to do and see in Hot Springs,” O’Neal said. “The staff is always wonderful to work with, and they really pulled out the red carpet.”



To that end, they have organized the Oaklawn Day at the Races on for any boosters, administrators, alumni, or school personnel and students. The event will take place Saturday, March 7, and it will be an opportunity for visitors to experience a different part of Hot Springs at the Oaklawn Race Track.



“We thought it would be a great way to show people one of Hot Springs’ greatest attractions,” Special Events Manager Chrissy Egleston said. “We wanted to encourage people who aren’t from Hot Springs or from the area to go out and see the races when their teams aren’t playing. And it should be great because it’s going to be a beautiful weekend outside.”



Post time is scheduled for 1:05 p.m., and visitors should go to the Sports Tavern to pick up their tickets and have any questions answered.



While Summit Arena will take over as the center of the Sun Belt basketball world during the upcoming week, the Champagne Reception and Oaklawn Day at the Races will provide a chance to take a break from the action on the court and see the Sun Belt and Hot Springs come together in a different setting.

H3ll, most of our crew won't be going to be by that time. Maybe a few of us will be there, as we'll be gearing up for the Toppers game at 12:30, but the largest portion of our group will still be in bed. We'll see what we can do!

I wonder if we get in free to OakLawn ?

Is your hair blue and you're eligible for the early bird special at Ryan's? If not, don't count on it!

I'm willing to bet that there's a buttload of Early Bird Special in Hot Springs.

(03-06-2009 12:31 PM)condray Wrote:  Is your hair blue and you're eligible for the early bird special at Ryan's? If not, don't count on it!

If you show up at 3:30 it's probably half price everywhere!

I'm fully expecting Commish Waters to miss the first game of the afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, due to the early birds. He shouldn't have any problems on Monday or Tuesday though.