Illinois State Athletics hosted its 4th annual Ballin’ on Beaufort Wednesday to highlight the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
With the start of the college basketball season just around the corner, the athletic department hoped for the event to bring in a larger audience.
Redbird men’s player Chase Walker said, “I think this is important for the community and for the players. I think it’s an equal exchange.”
This year’s edition of Ballin’ on Beaufort included players signing autographs for fans and inviting community members to participate in basketball-related games to compete for prizes.
“Us players get to interact with the community and see how fun uptown [Normal] is as a whole,” Walker said.
The ISU athletic department partnered with Uptown Normal and CEFCU to host and sponsor the event.
“We partner with Uptown Normal every year, they’re great partners, and we get to showcase to all of our fans,” said Apryl Smith, the assistant director of marketing at ISU athletics.
Both men’s and women’s teams officially begin their season November 2nd.