Eastern Michigan Athletics
Ben Braun to Return; EMU to Celebrate Bowl Win, Jan. 21
1/12/2023 3:38:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Football, General
Don’t miss a day of festivities during the basketball doubleheader in Ypsilanti
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics is inviting you to the George Gervin GameAbove Center for a day of celebration Saturday, Jan. 21.
A basketball doubleheader day, the EMU women's team will take on Northern Illinois University at 1 p.m., with the men's game against the Huskies set for 3:30 p.m. In addition to the on-court action, fans are encouraged to take part in numerous celebrations inside the arena.
Legendary Coach Ben Braun Returns to Ypsilanti
Former men's basketball coach Ben Braun is back on campus. During the women's game, alumni from both programs are invited to join Coach Braun for a special reception and to cheer the Eagles on to victory. This event is free to all basketball alumni. To reserve your spot, RSVP to Jessica Nietrzeba at jnietrze@emich.edu.
Fans will then have the opportunity to welcome Coach Braun back onto the court during the men's game. In addition to serving as the game's TV analyst on ESPN+, he will also be recognized during the under-12-minute media timeout during the first half of action.
Braun served as head coach of the EMU men's basketball team from 1985-1996. In his 10+ seasons as EMU head coach, he led Eastern to arguably its most successful decade, finishing as the winningest head coach in EMU history with a 185-132 record. During his EMU tenure, he was named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year three times (1987-88, 1990-91, 1995-96), directed the men's basketball team to multiple Mid-American Conference and MAC Tournament Championships (1987-88, 1990-91, 1995-96), and led EMU to three NCAA post-season tournament appearances (1987-88, 1990-91, 1995-96), including a "Sweet 16" appearance in 1990-91.
2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Championship Celebration
The Eastern Michigan Football team capped off an incredible 9-4 season with a win in the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, and now, it's time to celebrate!
Fans who attend the basketball doubleheader will have the opportunity to take photos with both the Michigan MAC and Potato Bowl trophies, and can even pose for a life-size cutout of Head Coach Chris Creighton on the field in Boise. In addition, fans can pick up a free, limited edition, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions poster. During the men's game, fans can also enjoy a specialty baked potato bar where they can build their own homestyle baked potato with all the fixings.
Fans can also purchase championship gear here.
Pride and Local Heroes Day
Eastern Michigan will celebrate Pride and our local heroes during Saturday's games. Fans can pick up a free Eastern-themed Pride T-Shirt (while supplies last), and visit with various student groups that focus on the LGBTQIA+ communities on the main concourse of the arena. Then, during the men's game, EMU will recognize the Mayor of Ypsilanti and members of her office, while highlighting their efforts within the local community.
Discounted Alumni Tickets
All Eastern Michigan University alumni are encouraged to attend the contest using a special, discounted ticket promotion. Fans can enjoy the action for just $8 (offer extended to men's game, Feb. 11, as well).
Click here to purchase tickets, and use the promo code EMUALUM to receive the discount.
Tickets can be purchased online at EMUEagles.com/tickets, or by calling the EMU ticket office at 734.487.3669.
We can't wait to see you Saturday, Jan. 21, at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Doors open at 12 p.m.
A basketball doubleheader day, the EMU women's team will take on Northern Illinois University at 1 p.m., with the men's game against the Huskies set for 3:30 p.m. In addition to the on-court action, fans are encouraged to take part in numerous celebrations inside the arena.
Legendary Coach Ben Braun Returns to Ypsilanti
Former men's basketball coach Ben Braun is back on campus. During the women's game, alumni from both programs are invited to join Coach Braun for a special reception and to cheer the Eagles on to victory. This event is free to all basketball alumni. To reserve your spot, RSVP to Jessica Nietrzeba at jnietrze@emich.edu.
Fans will then have the opportunity to welcome Coach Braun back onto the court during the men's game. In addition to serving as the game's TV analyst on ESPN+, he will also be recognized during the under-12-minute media timeout during the first half of action.
Braun served as head coach of the EMU men's basketball team from 1985-1996. In his 10+ seasons as EMU head coach, he led Eastern to arguably its most successful decade, finishing as the winningest head coach in EMU history with a 185-132 record. During his EMU tenure, he was named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year three times (1987-88, 1990-91, 1995-96), directed the men's basketball team to multiple Mid-American Conference and MAC Tournament Championships (1987-88, 1990-91, 1995-96), and led EMU to three NCAA post-season tournament appearances (1987-88, 1990-91, 1995-96), including a "Sweet 16" appearance in 1990-91.
2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Championship Celebration
The Eastern Michigan Football team capped off an incredible 9-4 season with a win in the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, and now, it's time to celebrate!
Fans who attend the basketball doubleheader will have the opportunity to take photos with both the Michigan MAC and Potato Bowl trophies, and can even pose for a life-size cutout of Head Coach Chris Creighton on the field in Boise. In addition, fans can pick up a free, limited edition, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions poster. During the men's game, fans can also enjoy a specialty baked potato bar where they can build their own homestyle baked potato with all the fixings.
Fans can also purchase championship gear here.
Pride and Local Heroes Day
Eastern Michigan will celebrate Pride and our local heroes during Saturday's games. Fans can pick up a free Eastern-themed Pride T-Shirt (while supplies last), and visit with various student groups that focus on the LGBTQIA+ communities on the main concourse of the arena. Then, during the men's game, EMU will recognize the Mayor of Ypsilanti and members of her office, while highlighting their efforts within the local community.
Discounted Alumni Tickets
All Eastern Michigan University alumni are encouraged to attend the contest using a special, discounted ticket promotion. Fans can enjoy the action for just $8 (offer extended to men's game, Feb. 11, as well).
Click here to purchase tickets, and use the promo code EMUALUM to receive the discount.
Tickets can be purchased online at EMUEagles.com/tickets, or by calling the EMU ticket office at 734.487.3669.
We can't wait to see you Saturday, Jan. 21, at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Doors open at 12 p.m.
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