April 4, 2008

By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Saluki Athletics is proud to announce the grand opening of the Saluki Team Store at the University Mall in Carbondale on Monday, April 7.

The store will be located near JC Penney and will have Saluki merchandise for Saluki fans of all ages. It will also serve as another option to purchase single-game tickets for Saluki athletic events, beginning with the 2008 Saluki football season.

"I am excited to have a Saluki merchandise and ticket presence in the main retail hub for the southern Illinois region," said director of athletics Mario Moccia. "I appreciate 710 Bookstore and the University Mall for their partnership in making this retail outlet a reality."

The Saluki Team Store, which is a partnership between Saluki Athletics and 710 Bookstore, will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

"Along with the Saluki Connection in the Illinois Centre Mall and Saluki merchandise at sporting events, this brings Saluki fans one more avenue to show their support for Saluki Athletics," said Randy Johnson of 710 Bookstore.

A grand opening event will take place from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, in the atrium outside JC Penney. Saluki student-athletes will be on hand to sign autographs.