Men’s Basketball

The Illinois State Athletics Department will host its annual “Redbird Rally” in St. Louis at the Millennium Hotel prior to the Redbird men’s basketball team’s first game at the 2010 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament March 5-8 at the Scottrade Center.

The event, which was previously held at the Top Shelf in the Scottrade Center, will take place on the lower level of the Millennium Hotel in one of the grand ballrooms. The festivities will begin three hours prior to Illinois State’s first game, and will conclude 90 minutes before tipoff.

Cost for the event is $20 for current members of The Redbird Club and $25 for nonmembers. A nacho bar and two drink tickets for pop, water, domestic beer or wine are included in the price. The rally will include a brief appearance by the band, cheer squad and Reggie Redbird.

“We are excited to host our annual pre-game event at the Millennium Hotel this year,” said Doug Banks, associate athletics director for development. “The change in location will allow us to be in the heart of the team hotel and hopefully attract even more Redbird faithful.  The “Redbird Rally” is a great event that allows the Redbird nation to get even more excited and energized about Illinois State’s first game of the MVC tournament.”

Tickets for the “Redbird Rally” can be purchased through the Redbird ticket office by calling (309) 438-8000, with all tickets sold in advance of the event.

The Millennium Hotel will serve as the official home for Illinois State Redbirds and fans during the tournament. You won’t want to miss the excitement in the hotel lobby where spirited send-offs and welcome-backs will feature the Illinois State Pep Band, cheerleaders and the Redline Express. Representatives from the Weibring Golf Course will be on hand with Illinois State merchandise available for sale.  A block of rooms has been reserved, with a fan rate of $112 per night while available. To reserve a room, contact the Millennium Hotel at (800) 325-7353 and reference the Redbird fan block.

Women’s Basketball

The league-leading Illinois State women’s basketball team will head to St. Charles, Mo., March 11-14, for the 2010 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship at the Family Arena.  To celebrate that weekend, Illinois State athletics will host its annual “Redbird Rally” prior to the team’s first game of the tournament at the Sheraton Lakeside Chalet. The event will take place on the main level of the Lakeside Chalet (previously held in the Matterhorn Room), three hours prior to Illinois State’s first game of the weekend.  Cost for the event is $15 and will include a light continental breakfast or nacho bar, depending on game time, and cash bar will also be available.  “We are excited to host our annual pre-game event at the Sheraton Lakeside Chalet this year,” Illinois State associate athletics director for development Doug Banks said.  “The Redbird Rally is a great way to get everyone together and energized about the Redbirds’ first game of the MVC women’s tournament.” Tickets for the “Redbird Rally” can be purchased through the Redbird ticket office by calling (309) 438-8000, with all tickets sold in advance of the event.

The Sheraton Lakeside Chalet is the official home for Illinois State during the tournament. To reserve a room, contact the Sheraton Lakeside Chalet at (800) 822-3535. For the latest information on Redbird tournament play, visit www.GoRedbirds.com.