Tailgate tips off Flames basketball season

A fiery performer lights up the night at Flames Friday Tailgate. Photo: Miguel Vazquez

The first Flames Friday Tailgate brought about 2,500 UIC fans together to launch the basketball season Nov. 13.

Students lined up for free hot dogs, refreshments, pizza and wings. S’mores, music, glow sticks, a bean bag toss and inflatable basketball games helped the crowd get excited for the game.

“There’s a lot of school spirit here,” said Trang Van, a student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Flames spirit groups danced and cheered for students, basketball and UIC.

Jeff Liu and Yuanyuan Qiao roast marshmallows at Tailgate. Photo: Miguel Vazquez

“It’s a good time,” added Emmanuel Gerena, a senior in information and decision sciences.

The women’s basketball team opened its regular season home slate Friday with a 75-48 win against Howard at the Pavilion. The men’s basketball opener after the tailgate was a last-minute 78-75 loss to San Francisco. The team played in front of a crowd of 4,033 fans, including 1,100 students.

Students are hopeful for the season. “I’m a UIC fan, and I hope that we can win the Horizon League,” said Gabriel Cerda, a student in criminolology, law and justice.

“I’m looking forward to that,” said Gerena.

Women’s basketball heads to Purdue this week for a 6 p.m. match Thursday. They will be back at the Pavilion at 3 p.m. Nov. 27 versus Central Michigan.

The men’s basketball team plays next at the Pavilion at 3 p.m. Nov. 24 versus Roosevelt University.

Admission is free for students with a valid i-card. Men’s game tickets are available online for $10 with the code staff15. General admission for women’s basketball is $8.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Pavilion Box Office, on the corner of Racine and Harrison streets.

Students wear their game face at Tailgate before the Flames’ game against San Francisco. Photo: Miguel Vazquez