Big weekend ahead for Tiger fans

By Adam Douglas

Sports Editor

 

This weekend is full of University of Memphis activities, most of them being athletic events. And with all these opportunities to support Memphis athletics, it begs the question – are really a true blue Tigers fan?

The weekend begins with a pep rally beginning at 12:30 p.m. inside the University Center with players, coaches, cheerleaders and the pep band. Organizers have asked for students and faculty to show their school spirit by donning The U of M's colors, blue and gray.

But which event will draw the most attention? Here's a look at what I think sports fans will be eager to attend this weekend.

FRIDAY

Friday has an interesting slate of events for Tiger fans to choose from. The women's basketball team starts its season at the FedExForum at 5 p.m. against St. Louis University. Afterward, the men's basketball team will take the court to play Christian Brothers University in their final exhibition before the start of the regular season on Tuesday against Belmont. At the same time, the women's volleyball team will serve up kills against Tulane at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. But since this is a basketball town, I think the bigger crowd will be at FedExForum on Friday night.

SATURDAY

Saturday will test diehard Tiger fans, as The U of M football team takes the field to play UAB in the annual "Battle for the Bones" game, which starts at 3:15 p.m. Pregame festivities may be the only thing drawing fans out to see a struggling football team in cold weather. At 7 p.m., the No. 3-ranked women's soccer team plays in the first round of the NCAA tournament at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex, which is also an outdoor event. But since the women have been winning, it will be worth sitting through that game. The volleyball team will also be in action as well on Saturday night, but are you really going to pass up women's soccer?

SUNDAY

As the weekend wraps up, Tiger fans have more basketball to look forward to, as the women's basketball team takes on Belmont University on Sunday afternoon at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. The game should be an interesting matchup for the Tigers, the favorite to win Conference USA this season.

Tipoff is at 2 p.m.