The Fordham men’s and women’s basketball programs are primed to bring a new level of excitement to the Rose Hill Gym for the 2009-2010 season.
Scoring leader Jio Fontan will direct a lethal mixture of returning vets and young talent when the men tip off against Maine on Nov. 13.
A month later, the team will venture outside the comfy confines of Rose Hill to clash with the powerhouse Villanova Wildcats—a Final Four team last year—under the bright lights of the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J.
That game will ready the Rams for yet another contest on the pro hardwood. On Jan. 13, Fordham will take on Atlantic 10 rival Dayton from Madison Square Garden. The game will mark the first Fordham appearance at the Garden since 2002, and the 114th overall.
Plus, the women’s squad is ready to show that the men don’t have a lock on hardwood heroics. A bumper crop of fresh talent will transform the team, which is built on the solid shooting and steady shoulders of veterans Randall Hurst and Becky Peters.
Make no mistake. Rams basketball is bearing down on the Rose Hill campus and professional arenas in and around New York City. Thousands of fans will come along for the ride.
Will you be there?
Now you can get in on all the jump shots, fast breaks and slam dunks of Fordham basketball by taking advantage of the most generous season ticket plan in the University’s history.
Here’s what you’ll get as a 2009-2010 basketball season ticket holder:
• the full season of men’s and women’s basketball tickets;
• a 50 percent discount off the walk-up ticket prices for all 12 home games;
• a ticket to the game against Villanova at the Izod Center;
• a guaranteed seat for popular home games against Xavier, St. Joseph’s and Dayton;
• a free media guide for loge season ticket holders ($10 value);
• first priority in tickets for the Atlantic 10 Championship Tournament;
• reduced-fee parking passes;
• first priority in tickets for the following basketball season.
With a season of Fordham hoops action available for only $110 (general admission; reserved seats are $135 for the season and loge seats are $165 for the season), there’s no need to wait for March to begin the madness!
Just take it from Athletic Director Frank McLaughlin:
“Both coaching staffs worked hard to recruit the outstanding young talent on these teams,” he said. “When alumni show their strong support, it sends a message to the basketball community and to potential student athletes that Fordham is setting its sights on becoming a first-class program.”
McLaughlin was an assistant coach when Fordham took on second-ranked Marquette University at Madison Square Garden during the 1970-1971 season. That year, the Rams went on to the NCAA tournament and finished with a 26-3 record under head coach Digger Phelps.
McLaughlin knows a frenzied crowd is integral to the team’s success.
You can be part of the excitement at the Izod Center, Madison Square Garden and every Fordham home game this season.
Be there when guard Brenton Butler nails a three-pointer against Villanova at the Izod Center.
Cheer when the women’s team retires the uniform number of all-time scoring and rebounding leader Anne Gregory on Dec. 5.
Scream yourself hoarse as Jio Fontan, a 2009 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team selection, helps the Rams climb the standings in the competitive Atlantic 10.
Do it because it’s not a game.
It’s basketball.
Be a Fordham Fanatic.
