Sold-out crowd cheers on Raiders at Stars, Stripes and Flight Classic

Wright State fans were greeted with several surprises before tipoff at the highly anticipated game between the Wright State Raiders and the Air Force Falcons. The Nov. 2 Stars, Stripes and Flight Classic at the Nutter Center served as the home opener for the defending Horizon League champions and marked the beginning of another exciting basketball season in the Dayton area.

The redesigned basketball court showcased new graphics created by Wright State’s Office of University Communications and Marketing, including the return of the university’s Viking Raider mascot at half court. The 10,500 fans in attendance also found free vintage Viking Raider T-shirts placed on their seats before the game. During team introductions, the updated Viking Raider mascot was unveiled to the sold-out crowd and delivered the game ball.

“We are trying to make our alumni and fans proud,” said Wright State Athletics Director Brad Chandler. “We are only going up from here.”

The Dayton region has earned a reputation as an epicenter of college basketball, and Wright State continues to contribute to that legacy. The Raiders have reached the NCAA Tournament twice in the last five seasons.

The Stars, Stripes and Flight Classic also honored those who serve and have served the nation while also kicking off The Big Hoopla festivities leading up to First Four’s return to Dayton in March 2027.

“I’ve been coming to games for the past 10 years, and this is the best crowd I’ve seen in a while,” said Josh Cummins, a 2011 Wright State graduate who served in the military after graduation. “I just appreciate Wright State doing this.”

The Raiders defeated the Falcons 102-71 in front of a sold-out crowd, bringing fans from across the Miami Valley together to celebrate college basketball and honor Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force, veterans and active-duty military personnel.