NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. –  The Niagara University Department of Athletics will hold its second annual Purple Eagles Basketball Tip-Off Dinner on Oct. 7th at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston, N.Y. Niagara University legend Frank Layden will be the keynote speaker for this special event. Anyone interested in supporting the men's and women's basketball programs is encouraged to attend.

Director of Athletics Simon Gray, along with men's basketball head coach Chris Casey and women's basketball head coach Jada Pierce, will welcome Frank and his wife Barbara back to Western New York and preview the 2015-16 seasons during the evening.  

The event begins with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 p.m; followed by dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. and then the program featuring the remarks from Layden, who played at Niagara from 1951-55 and coached at Niagara from 1968-76 where he led Niagara to its first-ever NCAA Tournament in 1970. On December 6, 2014, Niagara University named the Gallagher Center Court after Frank and Barbara. The Laydens are known around the country for their compassion and generosity and are strong supporters of many charitable causes.

The cost is $100 per person and $800 per table of eight.  Table purchases will also include public recognition. Please R.S.V.P. by Sept. 28 to Jennifer Ebbole at 716-286-8600 or jebbole@niagara.edu to secure your seat.

The Niagara Men open the season on the road against Old Dominion as part of the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament on Nov. 13. The Purple Eagles will have their home opener on Nov. 18 against Brown.

The Niagara Women begin their season on the road versus Texas Tech on Nov. 13 and have their home opener on Nov. 17 against Youngstown State.

For game ticket information, please contact the Niagara Ticket Office at 716-286-TIXX (8499), tickets@niagara.edu or visit www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets. 
 
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