AKRON, Ohio – With the start of preseason basketball practice just days away, University of Akron men's head coach Keith Dambrot and women's head coach Jodi Kest prepared a special video message for the Zips faithful on Wednesday. View Video Message (YouTube.com)

Practice for both programs gets underway Friday evening and fans can visit which each squad from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Saturday at the annual "Meet The Teams" event in Rhodes Arena. UA fans will have a chance to mingle with both hoops squads, get autographs, pose for pictures and see the men's 2009 Mid-American Conference Tournament championship trophy up close and personal. Zippy and members of the UA spirit team will also be on hand, along with a balloon artist.

Admission and parking for the event is free, and fans will be treated to prize giveaways as well as complimentary popcorn and drinks (while supplies last). The Zippy Bouncer and other interactive games will be set up in the upper concourse area of the arena. Fans will also be able to purchase season ticket packages and pick-up the 2009-10 men's and women's basketball schedule posters (while supplies last). View Akron Basketball Interactive Ticket Brochure

Saturday's festivities will precede the UA volleyball team's match against Northern Illinois at 7 p.m. in the arena and the No. 1 nationally-ranked UA men's soccer team's contest against the same Huskies at 7:30 p.m. at Lee Jackson Field.

The UA men's basketball team, which competed in last season's NCAA Tournament for the first time in 23 years, plays host to 17 regular-season games and one exhibition contest this season. The Zips women's squad will have 13 regular-season games and one exhibition tilt at Rhodes Arena in 2009-10.  2009-10 Men's Schedule | 2009-10 Women's Schedule