Downtown St. Catharines will be buzzing this weekend when Badgers fans gather to cheer on Brock University's basketball teams at the Meridian Centre.
Paint the Meridian Red, Brock's signature basketball event, will see the men's and women's basketball teams take on the McMaster Marauders in back-to-back contests on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Here's everything attendees need to know before heading to the event:
Tickets
Tickets for the game are still available for purchase at ticketmaster.ca.
After the first tip-off at 6 p.m., tickets will be available only at the Meridian Centre box office.
Ticket holders are encouraged to download their tickets onto their mobile device prior to entering the building as the Meridian Centre does not offer Wi-Fi. Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted.
Suites for the game also remain available for purchase. Please contact David Velasco, Interim Manager, Events and Partnerships with Brock Sports and Recreation, at dvelasco@brocku.ca
Tip-off times
Doors at the Meridian Centre will open at 5 p.m., with the women's game starting at 6 p.m. and the men's at 8 p.m.
Don't put the bad in Badger
Everyone attending the game is reminded to celebrate responsibly. Any attendees who are visibly intoxicated will be refused entry and no refunds for purchased tickets will be given. All spectators are reminded to hydrate, eat enough and make responsible decisions to ensure an amazing experience for everyone.
Getting to the game/parking
Shuttle busses to take students from the University's main campus to the Meridian Centre will begin at 5 p.m. Pick up locations for the shuttles include the Arnie Lowenberger, Quarry View and Gordon and Betty Vallee residences.
The last shuttle back to Brock is set to leave the Meridian Centre at 11 p.m., with drop-off at Isaac's.
Those taking the shuttle buses are required to show Brock identification.
For fans driving to the game, please note that there is no parking at the Meridian Centre. Attendees are encouraged to park at one of the multiple downtown parking garages.
Fan experience
Attendees can look forward to giveaways for the first 50 fans arriving at the event as well as throughout each game.
Fans can purchase Brock Badgers gear at a Campus Store pop-up, get their faces painted with Niagara Face Painting and connect with the Brock University Students' Union on the concourse level.
What you can bring
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Meridian Centre, but empty, refillable water bottles are allowed. Bags smaller than 12″x12″x12″ are allowed in the building, but laser pointers, professional cameras, drones, weapons of any kind and any drugs or alcohol are strictly prohibited.
Security
All guests must go through a magnometer and will be asked to remove keys, wallets, purses and anything metal that may trigger the alarm.
More information about the Meridian Centre's entry requirements is available on the venue's website.
