October 14, 2022

Columbus State University begins a new holiday tradition this fall with its first Holiday Tip-Off & Tree Lighting celebration on Monday, Nov. 14 on CSU’s Main Campus.

Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. when the Lady Cougar women’s basketball team hosts the University of Montevallo for its home opener in the Frank G. Lumpkin, Jr. Center. All those attending the game will enjoy free admission. Concessions will be sold throughout the game.

Following the game, the university will hold its official tree-lighting ceremony on the lawn of the Student Recreation Center—next door to the Lumpkin Center. The tree-lighting ceremony is expected to begin at 7:30 p.m.

During the game, fans will also enjoy performances by various CSU student organizations, the CSU cheerleaders and Cody the Cougar mascot. The halftime program will feature CSU cheerleaders sharing giveaway items with the crowd in addition to a great halftime show and activities. Not only will there be fun on the court, but Santa will be holding court in the lobby of the Lumpkin Center throughout the game.

During the tree lighting ceremony, students, employees, alumni and community guests can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. This year’s holiday tree lighting is being presented as an alternative to CSU’s annual Winterfest event, which will not be held this year. 

The Lady Cougars’ Nov. 14 basketball game tips off home play for women’s basketball. The men begin home play on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. as they host the University of North Carolina Pembroke. Season and single-game tickets are on sale now. CSU students are admitted to all home games for free, as are CSU employees and a guest. Fans ages 18 and under are always admitted for free.

For more information on this and other Columbus State events, check events.columbusstate.edu.