University of Evansville basketball fans will get their first look at the 2009-10 Purple Aces on Thursday, October 22 at Aces Hoopfest at Roberts Stadium. Gates open at 6:30. Parking and admission are free, and fans can purchase hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks for $1 each. In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Aces Hoopfest T-shirt, compliments of Heritage Federal Credit Union. All fans will receive schedule cards and posters free of charge, and activities for boys and girls will take place throughout the evening on the concourse level.

The night's activities begin at 7:00 with the introduction of coach Marty Simmons' men's team and Misty Murphy's women's team. Players from both squads will compete in a three-point challenge, and each team will play 10-minute intra-squad games. There will also be a slam dunk contest, and the night will conclude with both teams holding an autograph session.

The men are first out of the gate this season, taking on Hanover College in the opening exhibition game October 31. The women play their first exhibition November 7 against Oakland City University.

Season tickets for the 2009-10 season are available at UE's Carson Center ticket office, at the Roberts Stadium box office, and through Ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available Thursday at Hoopfest.