K-State to honor Big Red One Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan. Kansas State will celebrate its relationship with nearby Fort Riley this Saturday, as the department recognizes the Big Red One Holiday Appreciation Day with its men’s basketball contest with Centenary.

Kansas State, in partnership with students and season ticket holders, has donated over 1,900 tickets to Saturday’s game to Fort Riley Soldiers and their Families. The student body, much of which will be out of town due to the completion of semester exams, donated over 1,100 tickets.

There are a number of activities planned for the game involving soldiers from Fort Riley.

During pre-game, mascot Willie Wildcat will be promoted from Private to Private First Class in a ceremony conducted by Big Red One Division Command Sergeant Major Jim Champagne.

Before the game, Chief of Staff Colonel Ricky Gibbs and Command Sergeant Major Champagne will lead the team out of the lockerroom and onto the court.

The color guard will be conducted by the Fort Riley Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and will include all brigade, battalion and partner unit colors. In addition, the Big Red One Band will play the national anthem and provide the in-game pep music.

Fans are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or a cash donation for Fort Riley’s Operation Santa Claus, which benefits underprivileged military children in the surrounding communities.

With the donation of a toy (with a value of $5, unopened), fans can purchase a Centenary ticket for just $15, which is half-off a regular-priced ticket. Tickets are limited for this promotion and the price is only good for the day of the game. There is a one ticket discount per toy donation, and fans must show the toy donation at the ticket window the day of the game for the discount.

Kansas State University Athletics

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