Mountaineer fans following the men’s basketball team to Columbus for NCAA Tournament games will have an opportunity to come together for a meet and greet hosted by the West Virginia University Alumni Association and Mountaineer Athletic Club.
On Friday, March 20, a Mountaineer Meet and Greet will take place beginning at 11 a.m. at Gresso’s (961 South High St., Columbus, OH). The social, which is free and open to the public, will feature food from Gresso’s menu, beverage specials and great Mountaineer camaraderie. As an added service, Gresso’s is offering complimentary shuttle transportation from the Meet and Greet to Nationwide Arena prior to and back after the game (parking is available adjacent to the establishment).
“Playing in nearby Columbus is a wonderful opportunity for our alumni and fans to celebrate another appearance by WVU in the NCAA Tourney,” said Steve Douglas, president and CEO, WVU Alumni Association. “Our alumni base in that area, coupled with our loyal fans that travel near and far to watch the Mountaineers play, will enable us to show our support for Coach Huggins and his team.”
Fans in Columbus without game tickets are encouraged to remain at Gresso’s after the meet and greet to watch the game. The venue has multiple televisions located throughout its facility and a live broadcast also will be played during the game.
“I am thrilled to host fellow Mountaineers in town for the NCAA Tournament,” said Eric “Gresso” Gresak, a native West Virginian and owner of Gresso’s. “I look forward to Gresso’s becoming the home away from home for Mountaineers in Columbus throughout the weekend.”
Hundreds of WVU alumni, friends and fans are expected to be on hand for the second round game versus the University at Buffalo Bulls which is scheduled to tip off at 2:10 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Should the Mountaineers advance, they will play the winner of the Maryland Terrapins and Valparaiso Crusaders game on Sunday, March 22 (time TBA). A similar Meet and Greet is planned three hours prior to tipoff that day if the Mountaineers advance to the third round of the tournament.
For those alumni and fans not traveling to Columbus, many chapters are hosting game watches in their respective areas. Visit cal.wvu.edu to find the nearest location.
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CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.