Approximately eight years have passed since the Harlem Globetrotters last graced Eastern with their presence.

But that changes tonight.

The Globetrotters play at 7 tonight in Lantz Arena.

And it is not costing Eastern anything to bring the Globetrotters to campus.

Dave Kidwell, Assistant Athletic Director for Special Projects, said Eastern gets a percentage of ticket receipts and the rest goes to the Globetrotters.

Kidwell said the university sees a little profit but not much.

This will be the third time the Globetrotters have entertained at Eastern. They also performed in 1998 and 2000.

Kidwell, who helped set up the event, said he attempted to bring the Globetrotters back to campus a couple years ago but neither parties could find a date that would work.

He said it is a good opportunity if it works into the schedule.

However, he said having the Harlem Globetrotters is “not an event you want every year.”

Kidwell said in Charleston at least four or five years is needed in between in order to appeal to a new generation.

Attendance is expected to be high.

Cindy Bayes, Eastern’s ticket manager, said the gym is filled to half or a little over its capacity as of Monday, but is expecting that to rise more today.

Since coming back from break, she said, ticket sales have been steadily rising.

However, Bayes said she has seen the bulk of people buying tickets are from outlying areas and locals.

She said she doesn’t think many students have bought tickets.

“They are used to coming in free with their student IDs,” Bayes said, this event could “hurt their pocket book” a little.

“The cheapest tickets are general admission, which cost $16 and are located in the north, south and west balconies.”

Amy Reis, Director of Marketing Intercollegiate Athletics, said there are brand-new students on campus since the last time the Globetrotters performed.

“There’s been enough of a lapse that we think the interest is still there,” Reis said. “Some of the younger kids who perhaps have never seen them, this is there chance to be here.”

She said this is their opportunity to see something perhaps they’ve never seen.

Reis said the event is great for the community, students and staff.

“They’re a nationally known act that comes here to town,” Reis said. “The best thing about it is it’s great family entertainment. So, for the community it’s a great thing to come out and see.”

She said everyone’s heard of the Globetrotters, but this kind of entertainment doesn’t stop here all the time.

“To have an opportunity to sit and watch them first-hand right here in your own backyard coming to Lantz Arena is a marvel and something that everyone should take advantage of here in Charleston,” Reis said.

She said the Globetrotters’ shows are entertainment for the entire family and are something that everyone of all ages will enjoy.

Reis, who has seen the Globetrotters once, said people remember the Globetrotters far longer than just that appearance.

Kidwell has seen two of the Globetrotters’ previous performances at Eastern and said the theme probably has not changed in 70 years.

But that doesn’t matter.

He said even though it may be the same routine every time, people still laugh.

“They appeal to all ages no matter how many times you see them,” Kidwell said.

Tickets

Court-side VIP $42

Reserved (west floor chairbacks, east floor and east balcony chairbacks) $24

General $16

Tickets are still available for reservations in the east balcony and general admission

Tickets are on sale at:

Lantz Ticket Office (Room 2024): 581-2106

Online at www.eiupanthers.com

Charleston Tru-Value

First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust in Charleston and Mattoon

Emily Zulz can be reached at 581-7945 or at eazulz@eiu.edu.

Submitted Photo

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