Marshall University Athletics
MCGILL: Tip Off Club, pregame socials, are 'win-win' for Herd fans
11/8/2018 10:53:00 AM | Big Green Scholarship Foundation, Word on the Herd
Group has access to Hartley Room for two hours before every home game
By Chuck McGill
HerdZone.com
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The buzz surrounding the Marshall men's basketball program is at an all-time high. The Dan D'Antoni-coached Thundering Herd won its first Conference USA championship last season, and followed that up by busting brackets and becoming one of the darling programs of March Madness.
Of course, we already knew how special the men's hoops program is here. Support for Marshall is also surging, and the Tip Off Club is adding members at fast-break speed. The Tip Off Club is the Big Green Scholarship Foundation's men's basketball-specific fundraising group, which plays an integral role in helping D'Antoni with funds for staffing, apparel, equipment, recruiting and travel.
The Tip Off Club is a "win-win for fans," said Bob Thomas, a Huntington resident and avid men's basketball supporter. He joins Tip Off Club members in the Hartley Room inside the Cam Henderson Center for two hours before each home game, and said the hours of food and hoops chatter makes being part of the club more than worthwhile.
"It's wonderful," Thomas said. "Before you were trying to go somewhere and get a bite to eat and fight the rush. But with the Tip Off Club you park, you come down two hours before the game, you relax, you mingle with all of your friends and food and drink is here."
The Tip Off Club does, indeed, provide food and drink for supporters, depending on the giving level. The food is served in the Hartley Room, which is located on the court level of the Henderson Center a few steps from the playing surface. The room is typically full before home men's basketball games, and conversation and laughter fill the room. The group has grown significantly since D'Antoni arrived on campus, and the support is swelling as the wins piles up. Still, D'Antoni is imploring more Herd fans to join and support the direction of the program.
The people who have been part of the Tip Off Club see no reason to hesitate for non-members.
"When you come before a game you get to see everybody having a good time and getting ready for the game and talking basketball," Thomas said. "Everyone is charged up and ready for the game. It's a gift for all of the people who support the Herd. It's special."
The Tip Off Club is an asset for those traveling from a little farther away, too. Chris Lambert, a Hurricane resident, likes knowing that after the drive he doesn't have to worry about picking a spot to eat and getting to the game on time. He can go to the Hartley Room, grab a plate of food and a drink, and sit down with other members of the Herd family and talk basketball.
"It's a chance to support the basketball program and give them a little extra money so they can do the things they have to do to build a winner," Lambert said. "It gives us as fans a chance to socialize and spend some time together before the game. The restaurants are busy and you want to grab a bite to eat, but you don't have to worry about waiting on a table. You have a room that allows you to relax.
"It's kind of like tailgating for football games," Lambert added. "You get to see people, catch up, socialize and network."
Those interested in joining the Tip Off Club can sign up for one of four giving levels. The Front Court is $125 and provides entry for two people to the pregame socials and one Nike polo, although food and beverages are not provided. The Back Court level is $400 and provides entry for two people to the pregame socials, food and beverages are provided and one Nike polo. At the Center Court level, which is $1,300, supporters receive entry for two people to the pregame socials, food and beverages, exclusive Nike apparel and a special gift. The top level, Supreme Court, requires a $5,000 gift and includes free Tip Off Club luncheons, entry for two to the pregame socials, food and beverages inside the Hartley Room, exclusive Nike apparel, an autographed team basketball, a special gift and an exclusive two-person travel package for a select away game. Contact the Big Green at 304-696-4661 or biggreen@marshall.edu.
See you there!
Chuck McGill is the Assistant Athletic Director for Fan/Donor Engagement and Communications at Marshall University and a six-time winner of the National Sports Media Association West Virginia Sportswriter of the Year award. In addition to HerdZone.com's Word on the Herd, McGill is the editor of Thundering Herd Illustrated, Marshall's official athletics publication. Follow him on Twitter (@chuckmcgill) and Instagram (wordontheherd).
