March 22, 2006

There will be many opportunities to catch the George Mason men's basketball team before the team's game on Friday evening against Wichita State and fans should make note of them.

On Thursday at Noon, the Patriots will have an open practice at the Verizon Center. Fans are asked to come out early and cheer on the team as they prepare for Mason's first-ever appearance in the Sweet Sixteen. The practice will last 50 minutes. Washington will practice at 1 p.m., Wichita State at 2:10 p.m. and Connecticut at 3:10 p.m.

Fans who didn't get to see Mason play Wichita State last month in the BracketBusters will get two opportunities to relive the exciting game that saw the Patriots pull out a narrow 70-67 victory. ESPNU will replay the game at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, and at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 24. Beginning Wednesday, ESPN360, ESPN's customized broadband service, will offer a condensed version of the game.

And don't forget, the team will be leaving the Patriot Center this evening and a send-off is planned for the Patriots. Fans are encouraged to arrive at the Patriot Center at 6 p.m. with the team departing soon-after.