IRVINE, Calif. – The words "Happy Friday" will carry some extra weight this week as the Concordia University Irvine men's basketball team prepares to play its first home game in front of fans since February 2020.

It has actually been over a year-and-a-half (21 months to be exact) since the Green and Gold experienced the joy of playing in front of their home crowd.

The Eagles begin their new campaign this Friday, Nov 12 at 5 p.m. inside CU Arena against The Master's University. 

The CUI student section has been renamed "Flight Club" – PLUS - the first 100 fans that attend the tailgate Friday starting at 4 p.m. will receive a free Flight Club t-shirt before the home opener!

Students can also sign up to play Knockout at halftime to win bonus points for their house in THE HUNT and the winning student will get two coupons for a free meal to The Habit!  There will also be face paint available for students as well as posters.

CUI men's basketball will be home the next day too on Saturday, Nov 13 at 5 p.m. and will host Cal State Los Angeles as part of a four-team tournament on campus this weekend.  Biola is scheduled to play at 7 p.m. each night against CUI's two opponents in CU Arena as well.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's basketball schedule

CUI head coach Ken Ammann recently received the prestigious Harry Statham Coach of Impact Award. The award honors small college basketball coaches that have made an impact on the game in various ways while experience success both on and off the court.

CLICK HERE to read about Coach Ammann being honored with the Harry Statham Award

The CUI women's basketball team also opens up its regular season on Friday on the road. The women are playing in a similar tournament hosted by Cal State LA and will face Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday before facing the Golden Eagles on Saturday.

Both the CUI men's and women's basketball teams were picked to finish in the top six of the PacWest Conference in the preseason coaches poll. CLICK HERE for that story.