When the Tulane Green Wave walk into FedEx Forum this weekend, they may want to swap their shorts and jerseys for swim trunks and goggles, as they'll find themselves swimming in a sea of blue.
The Student Government Association in conjunction with the president's office, athletic office and U of M alumni will provide 1,000 blue T-shirts to students entering FedEx Forum Saturday before the Tigers' game against Tulane.
Only students wearing the T-shirts or other blue attire will be allowed to sit in the lower bowl's student section.
The shirts have the image of a basketball court with the Memphis logo in the center and on the back the words "Our House, Our Court, Our Game and Your Loss."
"It'll be intimidating for the other team to see a wall of blue," said Taylor Sargent, SGA cabinet member and director of student athletic services. "A lot of other schools do it and all three (home) games left are all big."
One of those schools is one Memphis fans are all too familiar with.
"Take Tennessee for example," said Sally Gates, SGA president. "When you go to a game you see a sea of orange, and we want to bring the same sentiment to Memphis. I think it would really help to motivate the team while they're on the court to see all the students cheering for them."Although this Saturday will be the only time T-shirts are given out, students will still need to wear blue to sit in the lower bowl for the last two home games.
After Tulane, the Tigers' home schedule will end with Cincinnati and Louisville at FedEx Forum. Both games could have a major impact on team seeding for the Conference USA tournament, which is to be held at FedEx Forum and starts Mar. 9.
Students can carry the homecoming spirit into the tournament. And it all starts this weekend.
"I think it's fantastic," said R.C. Johnson, U of M athletic director. "I want to have homecoming every week."
Memphis students may not be able to label every home game 'Homecoming', but they can certainly provide the atmosphere at future games.
"The students I have spoken with said (shirts) should be a huge factor in the level of spirit," Sargent said. "We shouldn't have a problem packing the student section."
"I think it's a great idea as far as something positive to arouse school spirit on campus," said Josh Fowler, junior philosophy major.Sargent said he hopes this tradition will continue long after he leaves The U of M after this semester.
If Saturday is a success, U of M students will need to keep an empty clothes hanger waiting.
