Missouri Baptist University has announced the creation of several promotional evenings for the fall semester designed to increase the overall fan experience at athletics contests.

The Department of Athletics released the five dates throughout the semester known as “Spartan Blue-Out Nights.” Throughout the semester, students and fans will be asked to “Blue-Out” the R. Alton Lacey Gymnasium by wearing MBU blue apparel to support the team. Blue Out games are set for the following:

Sept. 13: Women’s Volleyball vs. Lindenwood-Belleville
Oct. 10: Women’s Volleyball vs. Columbia College
Nov. 3: Men’s Basketball vs. Evangel College
Nov. 10: Men’s Basketball vs. Logan University
Feb. 21: Men’s and Women’s Basketball vs. William Woods

The initiative will culminate next spring with an opportunity for MBU’s most spirited students to compete for a tuition-free semester.

“We want to create a dynamic environment for our students and student-athletes that is fun for them to be at for more reasons than just the competition on the court,” said Brad Cygan, MBU sports information director. “Asking our fans to wear blue is a sign of support for the University and for its athletics teams. It should make for a great fan experience.”

In addition to the dress code, the University will also be holding contests and giving away prizes at halftime and before the games. The first “Blue-Out Night” will be this coming Thursday, Sept. 13 when the women’s volleyball team plays host to the Lindenwood-Belleville Lynx.

“There will be a contest at halftime to win free popcorn for the semester at home games in the Sports and Recreation Complex,” said Cygan. “There will also be a surprise that we have up our sleeves that fans will not want to miss!”

Several giveaways for fans have been planned including spirit t-shirts, schedules and even food. More than just giveaways and spirit, contests have also been created to give the students a chance to win free food and even, FREE TUITION!

Students have the opportunity to win free tuition at every home contest this year, beginning on Thursday.  Every game a student attends, they can enter for a chance to compete for the grand prize. The more games they attend, the more times they can enter their name.

Students will be able to put their name and contact number on a ticket and, if their name is pulled in February, they will be among the lucky ones that will have an opportunity to compete for tuition.

Missouri Baptist University is a Christ-centered university located in Saint Louis. MBU offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees in education, business and religion and its new terminal degree, the Doctor of Education. In addition to its 66-acre West St. Louis County campus, MBU offers degree programs at 10 regional learning centers throughout Saint Louis, in Southern Illinois and online. For more information, go to www.mobap.edu or call 1-877-434-1115.