Basketball blackout night hopes to spark fan interest
By EMILY GIANETTI
In the middle of the school year, it can be tricky keeping the student body interested in winter sports.
In order to renew interest in their team, the Canfield Boys Basketball Boosters have organized a blackout for the home game against Niles Tuesday.
The blackout will take place at Canfield High School’s gymnasium beginning with the junior varsity game at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity contest at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at the high school’s athletic office and will be sold at the game. Strip tickets will be accepted at the game as well.
Those fans attending the blackout wearing the 2010-2011 Canfield boys’ basketball T-shirt will receive a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A sandwich from the Southern Park Mall location.
The shirt is sold at all boys’ home games and will be available to students at the high school and at Canfield Village Middle School Monday and Tuesday.
“The attendance at the basketball games has dropped. We’re trying to get the students to come together and support the team and the new coach,” said Susan Schiraldi, vice president of Canfield Boys’ Basketball Boosters.
There are several other events coming up, including Senior Night during Friday’s game against Youngstown East and the Feb. 4 home game against Howland.
Boosters will pay for any current Canfield High School student attending the Howland game. A Y-Teens-sponsored Sock Hop will take place afterward.
“In having the different themes at the basketball games, the parents in Basketball Boosters would like to spark school spirit,” said Boosters member Michelle Yobi.