When the Tigers' men's basketball team heads off to Raleigh, N.C., to play the George Washington University Colonials on March 21, fans will get together to cheer them on at the True Blue Pep Rally.
The rally will take place at the University Ballroom at the Raleigh Marriott City Center at 500 Fayetteville St. in Raleigh on March 21 at 3 p.m.
The venue is about 10 minutes away from PNC Arena, where the game will take place. Admission is free to anyone wanting to root for the team and willing to brave the 12-hour drive from Memphis to Raleigh.
Pom and cheer squads, the U of M marching band - the Mighty Sound of the South - and Pouncer, the University's mascot will provide the entertainment. Food and drinks will be provided to attendees, and, for those wanting something stronger, a cash bar will be available as well. There will also be a prize giveaway.
Joe Biggers, director of Alumni and Constituent Relations at the Alumni Association, is proud to support the Tigers' championship bid.
"We're excited to be in the tournament, and we're excited to do our part to bring the Tigers to victory," Biggers said.
Along with the pep rally in Raleigh, basketball fans can gather to watch the action unfold at watch parties taking place around campus and around the city. The Blue Crew and Student Leadership and Involvement will hold a watch party in the University Center Ballroom at 5:30 p.m., while the Luther C. McClellan Black Alumni Chapter will hold their own watch party at the Fox & Hound at 5101 Sanderlin Rd. at 5:30 p.m.
Watch parties are being organized all over the country as far as New York City and Denver, Colo., for Tiger fans who aren't in Memphis.
For a full list of watch parties both in Memphis and out of town, visit the Alumni Association's website.
Lamar Chance, assistant director of athletics communications for the men's basketball team, explained just how important it was for Tiger fans to root for the team.
"The pep rally and watch parties are great for the fans, who can connect with other fans to cheer on the Tigers," Chance said. "It's great support for the team, as well. It gives them a lift to know the whole Tiger Nation is behind them."
Tipoff is at 5:55 p.m. The Tigers are seeded 8th in the East Region with a 23-9 record. The Colonials are seeded 9th, with a 24-8 record. This will be the Tigers' 26th NCAA tournament appearance and its fourth under Josh Pastner. In 2013, the Tigers made it to the round of 32 before being beaten by Michigan State.
The winner of this game will go on to play the winner of the game between Virginia and Coastal Carolina, also scheduled for Friday.
