Long Beach State Athletics held a student tailgate before the men’s basketball team took the court tonight against Midwest powerhouse Creighton.
The event was in preparation for one of the biggest games for the 49ers this season, as they are hosting an elite Big East team at the Walter Pyramid.
Students were treated to free food and drinks along with music and games outside of the Walter Pyramid student entrance. Many students were excited about the possibility of getting a free t-shirt that read, “Let’s Get Weird.” The first 1,000 students at the game received the T-shirts.
“That is what you do: you get weird in the student section during the game,” said LBSU Athletics Media Coordinator Dale Johnson, who came up with the idea for the shirt.
When asked about the 49ers’ 1-7 start to the season, students remained optimistic.
“They have a tough non-conference schedule but all that matters is winning the Big West Conference,” senior Joe Gamba said. “Hopefully we get a big student section so we can help them get the win.”
The students also made signs and banners to wave at the game. Some students said they would make the Pyramid a hostile environment for Creighton.
“I will cheer them on and do what us [Monson] Maniacs do best and make a lot of noise,” said LBSU student Kristin Farrel. “I’m excited to watch Creighton’s [All-American forward] Doug McDermott.”
Students left the tailgate and began lining up around 5 p.m. outside the Pyramid. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.
