ESPN's Jimmy Dykes to visit Middle Tennessee campus Oct. 24

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - One week from today, Middle Tennessee men's basketball (@MT_MBB) will welcome ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes to campus for the inaugural Blue Raider Tipoff Celebration. The event will serve as the kickoff to hoops season and will be held at the student union on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.

Along with Dykes, country music artist Aaron Tippin will also make an appearance. Tippin has charted more than thirty singles hits, including "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly," and his wife, Thea, will sing the national anthem.

"This is a fantastic way to tip off the 2012-13 basketball season," said Kermit Davis (@MT_CoachDavis), Blue Raider basketball head coach. "You've got one of the top ESPN basketball analysts in Jimmy Dykes, a legendary country singer in Aaron Tippin and the 2012 Sun Belt champions. What a tremendous way for our fans to get an early feel for our team. This will be a great way to build on the momentum from last year and create a great buzz about Blue Raider basketball this season."

Fans will get their first chance to meet the 2012-13 Blue Raiders, fresh off a program-best 27-7 finish that included wins over UCLA, Ole Miss and Tennessee. The team will be available for autographs and photos beginning at 6 p.m., and the event will also feature a special performance by all-conference senior guard Marcos Knight.

104.5 The Zone will broadcast live from the MTSU campus from 3-6 p.m. as well. Blaine Bishop, Brent Dougherty and Clay Travis comprise the 3HL segment.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the ballroom on the second floor of the student union where patrons may visit food stations located inside the ballroom.

Valet parking is available near the student union off MTSU Boulevard.

Tickets are $25 and available through the Blue Raider Ticket office by calling 1-888-YES-MTSU or visiting gate 1A of Floyd Stadium. Student tickets are available for $10, but students must show an ID in order to purchase at the discounted rate.

Men's basketball season tickets are also on sale now for $140, or purchase both men's and women's season tickets for $199. Price includes a ticket to the Blue Raiders' game against the Commodores at Bridgestone Arena. To purchase, call the Blue Raider Ticket Office or to buy online, click here.

MT opens the 2012-13 campaign on Nov. 5 in an exhibition against Auburn-Montgomery at 7 p.m. in Murphy Center. The Blue Raiders' regular season begins Nov. 9 when MT hosts Alabama State at 7:45 p.m.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.