HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. –  Northern Kentucky University Department of Athletics announces the Student Tip-Off Event featuring the Northern Kentucky men's and women's basketball teams. In conjunction, Norse Athletics releases a series of student promotions for the 2019-20 men's basketball season, including tailgates, themed nights and special 1K for $1K promotion (#1K41K).
 
Both the Norse men's and women's basketball teams are participating in the Student Tip-Off Event, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17^th from 7-8 p.m. at Regents hall. It provides an opportunity for NKU's students to meet the 2019-20 men's and women's basketball teams, while interacting with them during several competitions. Free t-shirts will be given to the first 300 students through the door.
 
Planned events for the evening's festivities include an ultimate skills challenge and 3-point competition, as well as an opportunity for students to participate in three sponsored activities with the potential of winning a cash prize, Barleycorn's 94-foot putt ($5,000 prize), CVG Half-Court Shot ($500 prize) and Wyler Barrel of Cash ($200 prize). There will also be a wing eating contest, NKU Cheerleading and Dance teams teaching cheers and the opportunity to hear from men's basketball head coach Darrin Horn and women's basketball head coach Camryn Whitaker.
 
Prior to the tip-off event, Greek Life is sponsoring a tailgate in front of Regents Hall from 5-6:30 p.m. Students can purchase wings, chips and a soda for $5, with all proceeds benefiting the Christian Dichoso Memorial Scholarship.
 
NKU Athletics also has a series of promotions for students throughout the men's basketball season. Five dates have been identified as Official Tailgate games. Northern Kentucky's matchup against Texas Southern on Saturday, Nov. 23, is the first contest featuring a tailgate. Games against Youngstown State (Jan. 16), Oakland (Feb. 6), Detroit Mercy (Feb. 8) and Wright State (Feb. 28) complete the schedule. NKU versus Wright State on Feb. 28 is the regular-season finale, which is also scheduled to air in front of a national audience on ESPNU.
 
Northern Kentucky is also introducing #1K41K for all Horizon League, regular-season men's basketball home games during the spring semester. Norse Athletics will give away $1,000 to one lucky student once per game for every contest that at least 1,000 students fill the student section.
 
Lastly, seven games will feature themed nights, including an 80's night, gold rush, PJ day and white out.
 
Theme-Night Schedule
Thursday, 1/16 vs. Youngstown State – Throwback Thursday – 90's Night
Saturday, 1/18 vs. Cleveland State – Suits & Sneakers
Thursday, 2/6 vs. Oakland – 80's Night
Saturday, 2/8 vs. Detroit Mercy – Gold Rush
Friday, 2/14 vs. IUPUI – Prom Night
Sunday, 2/16 vs. UIC – PJ Day
Friday, 2/28 vs. Wright State – White Out
 
Fans will get their first glimpse of the 2019-20 men's basketball team in action on Oct. 30, when NKU hosts Transylvania in an exhibition game at BB&T Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Women's basketball hosts Davis & Elkins College in a Halloween night exhibition, with tip also set for 7 p.m.