BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU men's basketball is set to host a charity exhibition event against UAB on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. CT in Diddle Arena, head coach Hank Plona announced on Thursday. The net proceeds from ticket sales for the game will be donated to The Harold & Juanita Koon Teen Center at The Boys & Girls Club of Bowling Green.
"I am excited to be able to work together with the Koon Teen Center at The Boys and Girls Club of Bowling Green to raise support and awareness for mental health, specifically in teens here in Bowling Green," Plona said. "Mental health initiatives are so important for all, but especially in young people, and I am happy that we have been able to work with a longtime rival in UAB to raise support and awareness for this cause. Thank you to Coach Kennedy and the UAB basketball program for joining us for this great cause, and we look forward to an outstanding turnout on Sunday, October 27."
WKU previously posted a split in competition against UAB in the Blazers' last season as members of Conference USA in 2022-23. Both teams competed as members of the Sun Belt Conference from 1982-1991, then again as CUSA members from 2014-2023.
"We look forward to partnering with our friends at WKU to play in an exhibition game aiming to bring attention to the outstanding work being done at the Koon Teen Center in Bowling Green," UAB head men's basketball coach Andy Kennedy said. "Hank and I go way back and I'm excited for him as he enters year one of what I know will be a very successful tenure with WKU basketball."
The game will serve as an opportunity to support a great cause while offering fans a first chance to see Hilltopper Basketball in action following the team's 2023-24 CUSA Championship campaign.
"As a national Movement, Boys & Girls Clubs are at the forefront of serving America's youth and recognize that a full picture of health includes physical, emotional and mental well-being," Liz Bernard Clark, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bowling Green Area said. "Locally we work to ensure all aspects of youth well-being are supported through Club experiences, programming and trained, caring staff.
Tickets for the charity event will be included in season ticket holder packages, and single-game tickets for the game will go on sale at a later date.
Hilltopper Basketball begins an exciting, 18-game home slate in Diddle Arena on Monday, Nov. 4 hosting Wichita State. The Tops also face Marshall and Murray State among the nine, home, nonconference games. For information on tickets visit wkusports.com/tickets or call the WKU Ticket Office at 1-800-5-BIGRED.
Follow the team on social media (@wkubasketball) and visit wkusports.com for the latest news and updates on all things Hilltopper Basketball.Â
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