Winthrop Hoops Fun

Hello again from the Big South...

I went to last night's Winthrop-Liberty men's basketball game in Rock Hill, SC, and I have to say that there's just something inherently exciting about being at a college game that never truly translates to TV, you know?

If you go to games, you know the feeling: the band, mascot, cheerleaders, dancers, and enthusiastic fans of all ages create a buzz. It's a great atmosphere, the perfect backdrop for the athletes who work so hard every game, win or lose. If you can get out to a college game near you (hey, especially if it's the Big South, but even if it's not), go--support that team! It's so easy to say, "maybe the next game," every time until you discover you've run out of games and it becomes, "maybe the next season."

Too bad--obviously no one gets anything out of that result (where's the fun in that?)...

Naturally I support all the Conference teams, but when any home team wins, it generates such positives because of what it does to keep the fans charged up and ready for more (final on Tuesday: Winthrop Eagles 55, Liberty Flames 48). And for the record, the Winthrop Coliseum is a great room for basketball--in fact, it must be said that all the athletic facilities at WU are top-notch. One can only wonder how the school's investigation into the possibility of adding football down the road will turn out.

As for what I was doing there, not only was I checking out two good Big South teams in action and chatting with members of the Winthrop athletic department, I was also pitching in to help out our crack marketing staff with promotional initiatives for some of our partners. We had giveaways, contests, and displays for State Farm and Papa John's, plus a demo for a future New Balance in-game contest (look for it in upcoming games). Fans got free stuff and got a chance to win more stuff--heck, if you want a shot at one of the big prize packages, you don't even have to go to a game, just click here, but if you think you've got what it takes to sink the four required shots and win $50 grand, then you need to go to a game on this list. Winning that is possible, but it sure won't be easy--I'm hoping lightning strikes and we get a $50,000 winner this season!

Anyway, that's what's going on here. Big South country is bracing itself for winter storms predicted in the next 24 hours...we'll have to see if it's real or if it's another typical wave of weather-hysteria. Good luck, everybody!