Wright State and Fairborn Chamber of Commerce to celebrate “Fairborn Night”

The Wright State Raiders have another big Horizon League match-up at the Wright State Nutter Center Wednesday when they play Cleveland State at 7 p.m.

The Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 35th annual “Fairborn Night” on Wednesday, February 16, as part of Wright State University’s men’s basketball game against Cleveland State.

Wednesday is also “Green and Gold Raider Pride Day.” Student Government encourages members of the Wright State community to wear green and gold or Raider apparel all day to support the team.

That evening’s activities will begin with Wright State President David R. Hopkins joining Chamber members and their guests for the Fairborn Night Chamber Chat at 5:30 p.m. in the Wright State University Nutter Center Berry Room. Men’s basketball coach Billy Donlon will give a preview of the night’s game. Rowdy Raider and the Wright State cheerleaders will also appear.

Prior to the start of the 7 p.m. game, the Fairborn Knights of Columbus Council 3724, who serve as ushers at WSU home games, will donate back half of their year’s earnings to the Raiders athletic scholarship fund.

Fairborn representatives will be on hand as the Fairborn High School Air Force Jr. ROTC honor guard present the colors with the school’s a cappella choir singing the National Anthem.

During the game’s first time out, Fairborn Mayor Joan Dautel will present Hopkins with a proclamation designating Feb. 16 to be “Fairborn Night.” Hopkins will issue a Wright State gift, and Athletics Director Bob Grant will present Chamber President Ellen Farthing with an autographed basketball from the men’s team. Joining them on the floor will be members of the chamber’s Ambassador Club.

In the second half, the Fairborn Rotary Club Foundation, represented by Club President Jamie Hensley and Foundation Board member Eric Murray, will award $1,000 scholarships to three Fairborn High School seniors who will be attending Wright State in the fall. The trio includes Lucas Dieker, Samantha Weinert and Caitlan Sprouse.

Fairborn residents can purchase game tickets in advance for $10 (normally $17) at the Fairborn Senior Center or at the Nutter Center Box Office by showing proof of Fairborn residency.