UE Athletics and Evansville Promise Neighborhood Team Up to Bring College Basketball to Local Families

Evansville, Ind. (12/01/2025) — The University of Evansville (UE) Athletics Department and the Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) are teaming up to bring college basketball excitement to students and families across EPN. Through a new collaboration, UE Athletics will provide season tickets to both men's and women's basketball games for students and families within the six EPN focus schools.

As part of the partnership, tickets will be distributed as incentives and giveaways to students across all EPN schools. The initiative is designed to reward positive behavior, encourage student engagement, and strengthen the relationship between UE Athletics and the broader Evansville community.

Building on the success of Education Day at the Ford Center, each EPN focus school is also planning a dedicated School Night at the Ford Center, inviting the entire school community to attend remaining home basketball games together this season. Additionally, UE Athletics and EPN are exploring ways to expand the partnership into spring sports in 2026, further extending opportunities for family engagement and school pride.

"We are thrilled to welcome Evansville Promise Neighborhood students and families to the Ford Center and Meeks Family Fieldhouse this season," said Dr. Ziggy Siegfried, UE Director of Athletics. "This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in young people, building community pride, and creating memorable experiences for families across the city."

EPN leaders echo the importance of building lasting connections that go beyond the classroom.

"This collaboration is a win for students, families, and our community partners," said Derek McKillop, Director of the EPN. "Opportunities like this help students feel connected to their community, and experience the excitement of cheering on the Aces together."

UE Athletics and EPN look forward to continuing this partnership and exploring future opportunities to support youth development and community engagement throughout the Evansville Promise Neighborhood.

About Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN)

Evansville Promise Neighborhood is an initiative housed at the University of Evansville's Center for Innovation & Change, made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Education. EPN focuses on building strategic partnerships that empower generations and create pathways of opportunity for kids, families, and entire communities.

Learn more at evansville.edu/epn.