WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area fans of Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball can take a sneak peek at this year’s squad during a preseason scrimmage at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the West Plains Civic Center.
Admission will be free, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seating will be limited and social distancing and masking will be required throughout the event for everyone age 12 and above, university officials said. Children age two to 11 are highly recommended to wear a mask, they added.
“We’re happy to get things started with Grizzly Athletics,” said Athletic Director Paula Wiedemann. “It’s a big week. The 25th annual Herb Lunday Grizzly Golf Classic is Friday, and we’re excited to have Missouri State Bears Basketball Head Coach Dana Ford golfing with our new Grizzly Basketball head coach, Jared Phay.
“Then, on Saturday, the Grizzly Basketball team hosts Tennessee Prep at 3 p.m. in its first scrimmage this fall at the West Plains Civic Center,” she added. “The Grizzly Volleyball team will be in attendance, as well, during the scrimmage. Rosters will be available for everyone and will give fans a chance to get to know this year’s teams.”
Those planning to attend should have their masks on when they enter the civic center. Masks will need to remain on throughout the scrimmage.
Volunteers will be available to answer questions, and signage will be placed to help with seating. “Working in conjunction with officials at the West Plains Civic Center and their policy on seating arrangements, we will have every other row blocked off and require three seats between groups if seated in the same row,” Wiedemann said.
“Our ability to host fans at Grizzly Athletics events is dependent upon the cooperation of all in attendance to follow our campus events policies, primarily social distancing and masking,” she stressed. “Those who do not comply could be removed from the event.”
For more information, contact Wiedemann at PaulaWiedemann@MissouriState.edu or 417-255-7950.
Missouri State University-West Plains empowers students to achieve personal success and to enrich their local and global communities by providing accessible, affordable and quality educational opportunities. Missouri State-West Plains offers associate degrees and credit and non-credit courses, and serves as a delivery site for bachelor’s and master’s degrees offered by Missouri State University in Springfield.
