The UALR men’s and women’s basketball teams open the 2008-09 season on Sunday, Nov. 9, with an exhibition doubleheader at Summit Arena in Hot Springs. The UALR women will take on Henderson State University at 2 p.m., with the men’s team squaring off against Harding University at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations, through Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 501.321.1919. Tickets are also available at the arena box office on Laurel Street. All tickets for the doubleheader are general admission. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for persons under age 18 or over 65. Groups of 20 or more may order tickets for $3 per person.

Former UALR lettermen are invited to take part in a pregame VIP Reception at Summit Arena prior to the women’s basketball game. The reception will begin at 12:30 p.m., and can be reached by entering the arena through Gate 1. Former UALR lettermen interested in attending should RSVP to Chasse Conque at 501.569.3382.

Both UALR basketball teams are coming off 20-win seasons and Sun Belt Conference West Division Championships in 2007-08. Head Coach Joe Foley and the women’s basketball team open the 2008-09 regular season against Sam Houston State on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Jack Stephens Center. Head Coach Steve Shields’ squad begins the year with a pair of games in California before hosting Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Nov. 22, in the team’s home opener.

Photo credit: Nelson Chennault