Eblen Center will be a "special" place next week as our women's and men's basketball teams return home after two weeks on the road, and Athletics has a long list of activities planned to add to the atmosphere.

The NCAA's J.J. Jumper in action.

There will be special discount tickets to several groups, special appearances by a variety of guests including the NCAA's official basketball mascot, J.J. Jumper, and special presentations and recognitions. All of that in addition to four basketball games which will help determine the Ohio Valley Conference champions.

Thursday, Feb. 17, is Magic 98.5 Night, sponsored by Clear Channel Communications, and special $1 vouchers are available for residents of Warren, DeKalb and Smith counties. Among activities that night will be a Smoothie King Shootout and special games and contests hosted by Magic 98.5, with assistance from members of our men's and women's golf teams.

In addition, Sports Information is hosting a Junior Sportswriter Contest to all students in grades four through eight.

Tech hosts Jacksonville State University, with the women's game at 5:30 p.m. and the men's game at 7:30 p.m. Both our teams will be seeking to avenge losses they suffered this year at JSU.

Saturday night, Feb. 19, we host Samford University for Mascot Night. It's also Take a Kid to The Game Night, sponsored by Chick Fil-A of Cookeville. Youth tickets are available for $1 with a full-price adult admission. The Golden Eaglettes look to stay perfect against Samford, while the men's team hopes to earn payback from a tough loss in Birmingham. Another Smoothie King Shootout is planned, along with presentations of various academic awards, the Johnny Donnelly Award, and the First Tennessee Bank scholarship.

Tickets are available by calling 3940 or by stopping at the Eblen Center ticket office during regular business hours.

Tech hosts just one more doubleheader during the regular season on Tuesday, Feb. 22, when Austin Peay visits.