The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the New Orleans Hornets announced Wednesday a new reading competition – “The Book Buzz with Hugo the Hornet” – that will stress the importance of reading books, while also helping promote the upcoming NBA preseason game on Oct. 16 between the Hornets and Atlanta Hawks, presented by Roadrunner Markets and Dunkin’ Donuts.Joined by the New Orleans’ Hornets’ mascot Hugo, along with two members of the team’s spirit squad, the Honeybees, ETSU staff unveiled plans for the new contest during a press conference at Southside Elementary School.

School children in select Educare afterschool programs across the city will be asked to read as many books as they can over the next two months. The student that reads the most books will win tickets to the pregame gala at the Carnegie Hotel, tickets to the game inside the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center, and the student will be honored on the court during the game. The winning student’s Educare will also win an in-school pizza party hosted by Bucky, the ETSU mascot.

“In many ways, this program fits perfectly with the missions of East Tennessee State University, the International Storytelling Center, and the NBA, all of which stress the importance of learning, reading and education,” said ETSU Assistant Director of Marketing, Promotions and Event Management Sara Hacker. “This program offered a chance to give back to the community, while also promoting the NBA preseason game.”

Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling 423-439-3878 (ETSU), and all proceeds from the event will benefit the International Storytelling Center and the ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

In addition, tickets for the pregame Tales and Tailgate Gala sponsored by the Carnegie Hotel are available by gala are now on sale and may be purchase by calling 423-439-4738. A silent auction that will include Hornets memorabilia, jewelry, trips and more will be held. Tickets are $100.

For more information, visit ETSUBucs.com or call 423-439-5283.

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