What upcoming event has free food, free transportation and an exciting display of athleticism, followed by great music and dancing?

None other than SLU Spirit Day, this coming Saturday, Jan. 29.

The all-day spirit day, sponsored by the Student Activities Board, will be held on the day of the Saint Louis University mens basketball game against Louisville.

Following the game is a dance at the Casa Loma Ballroom. The dance was organized by SAB’s Spirit Committee.

“This is the last event being organized by the Spirit Committee,” said Laura Hobart, Internal Vice President of SAB.

Traditionally, the Spirit Committee organizes one dance per semester-the homecoming dance in the fall and another dance in the spring.

“Homecoming used to be in the winter with the basketball team, but it was moved to the fall for a more traditional homecoming with the soccer team,” said Jana Evers, SAB Spirit Committee chair.

“We wanted to do something with the basketball team in the second semester,” Evers added.

This is the first spirit day with a basketball game and a dance.

The festivities begin with free doughnuts, bagels and hot chocolate behind Griesedeck Hall.

The spirit buses leave for the game at 11 a.m.

That evening, the Players’ Ball will be held in the Casa Loma Ballroom, with two musical groups performing.

The Midnight Riders, a group consisting of SLU students John Beseau, Nathan Chew and Joe Lanter, starts performing at 9 p.m.

Afterwards the 17th Floor, a rap and R&B group which has opened for Usher and TLC, will wrap up the night.

Tickets to the dance are $10 per person and $18 per couple.

“After this dance, the committee will begin planning for Homecoming 2000,” Evers said.

“We also would like to have tailgate parties in the new pub for away games . We want to raise school spirit in general by promoting athletic events,” she added.