Tennessee Tech's athletics department invites families to enjoy free admission to Halloween festivities at the fourth annual Purple Palooza located on the outer concourse of the Hooper Eblen Center Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.
“It's an exciting, fast-paced basketball season kick-off event that energizes our fans and our team at the same time,” said Jesse Bunch, marketing and promotions coordinator for Tech’s athletics department.
Families are encouraged to enjoy trick-or-treating at 30 Halloween booths decorated by student organization volunteers as well as sponsors from local venders and businesses.
The best-decorated booths from the Student Organization and Business Organization booths will receive a night in the Skybox for one basketball game.
Five awards will be given to the best costumes including best boy and girl costumes, best adult male and female costumes, and the best overall costume.
“The ones that stuck out to me the most were the ones that dressed up like our coaches,” said Bunch about a previous Purple Palooza costume contest. “We had one dress up like Watson Brown, the head football coach at Tech.”
Students with a Tech ID may enter a drawing to win two large Papa John’s pizzas and a case of Pepsi every month for one year.
“We expect to see around 1,000 attendees for the trick-or-treat portion of Purple Palooza,” said Bunch.
“Purple Palooza has become one of our most popular athletic events with both the community and our students,” said Leveda Dexter, director of corporate sales and marketing for Tech’s athletics department. “So many of our teams and student groups get involved and have a great time. We are hoping this year’s event will be even more fun and entertaining for our fans.”
A cheer dance routine begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the main event at 7 p.m.
The Golden Eagle men's and women's basketball teams will have a 20-minute intrasquad scrimmage in which they will be divided into purple and gold teams.
Fans are encouraged to participate in the 3-point shootout and slam dunk contest and mingle with the basketball players and staff for an on-court autograph session.
“As a senior, I'm really excited about my last Purple Palooza,” said Torrance Rowe, a member of the men’s basketball team. “I want the community to get excited about our team because we have the potential to be a great and serious contender in the OVC.”
