University Park, Pa. — The Nittany Lion basketball team will roll out the red carpet to new recruits in the "Nittany Nation" on "Opening Night" Friday, Nov. 12 when Penn State takes on Lehigh in its season opener at the Bryce Jordan Center.
All Penn State freshman students will receive free admission to their first Penn State Basketball experience by swiping their Penn State ID at Gate A of the Jordan Center prior to the 7:30 p.m. tipoff. Penn State will welcome the new freshman and all ardent supporters in the "Nittany Nation" with a red carpet walk outside Gate A reminiscent of Oscar night. Thursday night in East Halls, freshmen can enjoy a large sheet cake featuring the "Opening Night" theme served at 6:30 p.m.
Penn State students already holding season tickets will receive a voucher for $5 for use at any Jordan Center concession stand on the night. Vouchers can be picked up outside of the student entrance to the floor at Portal 31.
The first 1,000 students through Gate A will receive a raffle ticket to win an IPad. The winning number will be chosen at halftime. Schedule magnets will be distributed to all fans while supplies last and fans can enjoy a halftime performance by the "Amazing Christopher."
Penn State returns four senior starters and 75 percent of its scoring for coach Ed DeChellis’ eighth season at the helm. Two-time All-Big Ten point-guard will enter the season 613 points shy of eclipsing the Nittany Lions’ all-time scoring mark of 2,138 set by All-American Jesse Arnelle in 1955. Battle was recently named the Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 list for the second straight season and is the top returning scorer in the Big Ten.
