MEN'S 2001-02 BASKETBALL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

In anticipation of the opening of the Ted Constant Convocation Center in the fall of 2002 and in an effort to bring fans back to campus, Old Dominion University will play the majority of its men's basketball games this season at the ODU fieldhouse. Old Dominion will host state-rival Virginia Tech on Saturday, Nov. 24 at Norfolk Scope, and play five non-conference and all CAA home games at the fieldhouse.

"We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Norfolk Scope since 1976 and look forward to hosting Virginia Tech in Scope on Saturday, Nov. 24," said Old Dominion athletic director Jim Jarrett. "The decision to move the majority of our games back to campus helps us begin to create the campus atmosphere we must generate to fill up the Constant Center a year from now. I look forward to packing the fieldhouse this season and creating excitement for our basketball program."

First-year coach Blaine Taylor explained, "In my many discussions with fans and boosters since my arrival, I have learned that the fieldhouse crowds generate an intimate, electric basketball environment that we need to capitalize on as we prepare for our new arena. We are delighted to be able to host Virginia Tech at Scope and look forward to a great crowd for that game, as well our games at the fieldhouse. For many of our fans, playing in the fieldhouse this season will be a trip down memory lane as we close that chapter in this program's great history. Moving the majority of our games back to campus this year is our first step toward a future that includes fans converging on campus and the new University Village, with our games serving as a catalyst for that energy and excitement."

The men's home schedule includes games with new CAA conference members Hofstra, Delaware, Towson and Drexel and non-conference games with George Washington, Illinois Chicago, Hampton University and Delaware State. The Monarchs will open the season in the NABC Legends tournament, which includes matchups with Memphis State, Sacramento State or Wofford and a potential trip to the tournament finals in Kansas City, Nov. 20-21. Additionally, the Monarchs will travel to UNLV for a Dec. 30 contest and East Carolina on Dec. 8.

"The theme of our non-conference scheduling now and in the future will be playing the top leagues in the country," said Taylor. "This year's slate includes teams from the Atlantic 10, Big East, Conference USA, and the Mountain West".

Season tickets are on sale now and can be ordered by calling the athletic ticket office at 683-4444. Current season ticket holders may renew their seats now through Sept. 1.

For a complete schedule, visit www.odusports.com.