April 16, 2008

View a photo gallery from the event

EVANSTON, Ill. - To thank the fans for their support this season, the Northwestern men's basketball team opened the doors of Welsh-Ryan Arena to all Wildcat Basketball season ticket holders and Wildcat Kids' Club members for the Second-Annual Fan Appreciation Open Gym.

Wildcat basketball players and coaches were available throughout the facility, organizing games of knock-out, bean bags and the occasional pick-up game. Fans could get behind the microphone and hold their own press conference with the student-athletes, as well as try their hand at everybody's favorite halftime contest, Bank Shots presented by Bank of America. The `Cats also opened up their new locker room and let kids try out their Playstation 3.

The entire team was introduced to the fans and team captain Craig Moore and Head Coach Bill Carmody spoke, reiterating their gratitude for the fan support, and emphasizing their excitement about next year's season.

After lunch and two hours of games, autographs and conversations, the team and 200-plus fans left looking forward to an exciting 2008-09 season.