When Cornell’s hockey team plays Harvard at Lynah rink, the fans are wild, rowdy and animated. This year, when Cornell’s men’s basketball team entertains Harvard at Newman Arena, the fans will be Lynah-esque. Besides an improving squad, this Friday night’s matchup will include the first-ever, “Halftime with Hunter.”
Lace up your basketball shoes, don your Red Zone basketball shirt, and buy a ticket to compete against Cornell President Hunter Rawlings in a halftime basketball shoot-out. A $1 donation to “Help Beat Cancer” will qualify a fan for a chance to play President Rawlings, a former standout basketball player at Haverford, and win two US Airways round-trip tickets. All proceeds from the donations will go to the American Cancer Society and Coaches versus Cancer.
Two students and one other fan will be selected to compete in a sixty-second “hotshot” competition. Discs with corresponding point values will be placed around the court. For example, a layup could be worth one point, while a three-pointer could earn five points. If a contestant accumulates more points in one minute than President Rawlings, he or she gets the opportunity to shoot a half court shot for two US Airway round-trip tickets.
“We are excited in athletics to have Hunter participate in an event that will be fun and exciting for the student and fan base to participate in,” Pete Fitzpatrick, general manager of Cornell Sports Marketing, said. “Even more so, because it is for such a good cause, Coaches versus Cancer and American Cancer Society.”
At the game, Time Warner will also be raffling off great prizes including, one free year of Road Runner Service, one free year of HBO and Cinemax, and a walk-on appearance on News Center Seven. Furthermore, fans who bring their Time Warner Cable bill will receive one dollar off of the ticket price.
The fun continues the next night as Cornell plays host to Dartmouth. The contest is the annual “Take a Kid to the Game” promotion. All fans 16 and under will be admitted free with the purchase of an adult ticket. After the game, the youngsters will have the opportunity to get autographs and take pictures with members of the Cornell team.
“This is a great community thing,” Fitzpatrick said. “It is a great way for the youth to participate.”
The excitement in Newman Arena trickles into next week, as the Harlem Globetrotters come to town next Wednesday evening, February 7, to razzle and dazzle the crowd with rim-rattling dunks, full court shots and a dose of comedy that will make you fall out of your seat with laughter. Tickets are on sale now at the ticket office in Newman Arena, at either Ithaca Tops location, or by calling 254-BEAR.
The Cornell athletics department is fulfilling its promise to fill the school calendar with dynamic promotions and events. It is the student’s responsibility to come to the events and receive a night of Cornell pride and entertainment.
Archived article by Jason Skolnik