2020 has been an unprecedented year for just about everything, and of course that includes Monmouth athletics who has been held out from playing all sports this fall. However, the Monmouth University campus can at least look forward to the return of basketball this winter at the OceanFirst Bank Center.
On Monday, Nov. 2 Monmouth athletics announced that they will be selling fan cutouts for the 2020-2021 basketball season for $50 a piece while they wait for fans to be allowed in the arena at the start of the season.
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference has announced that based on their regulations no fans will be allowed at basketball games through Dec. 23 at the very earliest. They have yet to make a final decision regarding games after that date as it continues to be a work in progress being evaluated day by day. Even after fans hopefully come back to the arena later in the season, cutouts will remain in the stands to help maintain social distancing.
Students, faculty, parents, advertisers, and fans will be able to show their Monmouth pride by purchasing a cutout to represent their fandom during these unforeseen times for sports.
“I am excited about the University’s return to live competition this basketball season,” said Associate Athletics Director of Marketing & Sponsorships Eddy Occhipinti. “As per the MAAC, fans aren’t permitted to attend games prior to Dec. 23, and the fan cutouts are a great way to show support and be involved this season. The proceeds go to the Athletic Director’s Excellence Fund, which directly supports our student-athletes, which is vital at this time.”
For fans who would like to participate in this cause, all orders must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 13 so that they can be placed throughout the arena in time for the first home games of the basketball season. The cutouts will be placed throughout the lower level of the OceanFirst Bank Center along with a variety of other seat coverings to fill the arena for its opening games.The Excellence Fund is a key part to this decision by MU athletics who will be dedicating these cutout proceeds to their own student athletes and help them advance their careers during this difficult time.
The $50 price will be enough to ensure that each cutout will be displayed for the entire length of the 2020-201 season. Monmouth athletics suggests that those interested dress in their favorite Monmouth apparel or school colors for their photographs which will be emailed following their order. All orders can be placed at fly.monmouth.edu/cutouts where there will be instructions on submitting photos and guidelines for how to do it correctly. These photos will then be printed, cutout, and mailed directly to the OceanFirst Bank Center in plenty of time for Opening Night.
After the season, those who order cutouts will also be able to pick up their very own Monmouth Hawk cutout to keep. Monmouth athletics will also place all photos into a photo album on the Blue and White Club Facebook page during the first game of the season to represent all of the fans who have supported them.
PHOTO COURTESY of Shore Sports Network
PHOTOS COURTESY of Monmouth Athletics
