A Night of Anticipation
The Louisiana Tech Basketball Tip‑Off event is set for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Thomas Assembly Center, where the university will invite the public to experience the inner workings of its men’s and women’s programs before the 2026‑27 season begins.
Live shootarounds will feature the Lady Techsters taking the court at 6:05 p.m., followed by the Bulldogs at 6:45 p.m., allowing spectators to watch drills, scrimmages and conditioning routines in real time.
A moderated Q&A session will follow, giving fans the chance to hear directly from head coaches Brooke Stoehr and Talvin Hester about strategy, player development and the challenges of competing in the Sun Belt Conference.
Coaches Outline Their Vision
Ryan Ivey, Vice President and Director of Athletics, said the evening is designed to bring supporters closer to the programs through hands‑on experiences that highlight the dedication behind each practice.
Brooke Stoehr emphasized that the Lady Techsters blend returning veterans with new recruits, noting that the upcoming season marks their first full run in the Sun Belt Conference and requires a focus on chemistry and resilience.
Talvin Hester spoke about the Bulldogs’ preparation process, describing how team standards and player energy will shape the early schedule, including the season‑opening MAC‑SBC Challenge against Kent State.
The silent auction will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with closing remarks and winner announcements scheduled for 8:30 p.m., adding a charitable element to the night’s festivities.
Ticket options range from reserved tables priced at $250 to individual seats at $25‑$30, while free arena seating remains available for all attendees, ensuring a broad audience can participate.
The 2026‑27 campaign will kick off with the Bulldogs hosting Kent State and the Lady Techsters traveling to face Toledo in the MAC‑SBC Challenge, setting the stage for a competitive debut.
Beyond the opening games, the teams will begin their home schedules with the Lady Techsters’ first home appearance on November 5 against Texas A&M‑Texarkana, a milestone that fans can look forward to as the season unfolds.