Coaches will sound off at Thursday’s Hoopfest

Expect a new addition to Hoopfest, UE’s annual men’s and women’s basketball kickoff event at the Ford Center, during both teams’ intra-squad scrimmages on Thursday.

“We’re working on – and I think it’s going to happen – miking each head coach, so they can make comments during the scrimmages,” said Dwight Merilatt, UE’s senior associate athletic director.

Merilatt said each scrimmage will last 10 or 15 minutes with a running clock.

Doors for Hoopfest open at 6 p.m. The event itself starts at 7 p.m. and will last about an hour. Afterward, fans have a chance to meet players and coaches for autographs.

Other happenings at Hoopfest:
—Introductions for both teams.
—A dunk contest.
—A 3-point challenge.
—Free admission and Hoopfest T-shirts to the first 1,000 fans.
—$1 soft drinks, hot dogs and popcorn.

Merilatt said 1,000-1,500 fans are expected at the Ford Center. Of course, game four of the NLCS between St. Louis and San Francisco also starts at 7 p.m. Thursday.

“It’s a fun night to come out and see the Aces, and there’s high expectations for both teams this year in regard to how they’re going to play and the returning players as well,” Merilatt said. “I think people are going to be excited about that.”