JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Oct. 20, 2008) - With the start of the NCAA Basketball season right around the corner, the ETSU Department of Athletics and the Buccaneer Athletic Scholarship Association (BASA) invite Buccaneer fans to attend its first-ever "Bluenanza" basketball tip off event, on Tuesday, Oct. 21 inside Memorial Center.

This special evening, presented by BASA, allows fans to not only see both the men's and women's basketball teams in action, but also the opportunity to win big prizes; including a chance to shoot for $10,000 in cash.

"This will be a great event to kick off the basketball season," said ETSU's Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Development and Regional Athletic Advancement Kevin Bostian. "It will allow our fans to get a glimpse of our two teams as they start their run towards the A-Sun Championship."

The festivities begin at 7 p.m. inside Memorial Center, and Buccaneer fans will be rewarded with a 3-point shootout, slam dunk contest, autograph sessions and a men's and women's scrimmage.

Throughout the evening special drawings will take place for fans to have the chance to win official Bucs team gear, parking/hospitality upgrades and free premium courtside seats. In addition, a silent auction will take place for fans to have a chance to bid and win "Exclusive Buccaneer Items" and fans will have an opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket to win a $5,000 Shell gas card.

The first 700 fans to enter the Mini-Dome receive a free Buccaneer T-Shirt.

Don't miss out on all the action "Bluenanza" has to offer and catch both the men's and women's basketball teams in action for the first time on Tuesday, Oct. 21, beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information on Buccaneer athletics, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.