At 7 a.m. on Nov. 12, 2013, the University of Hartford Men’s Basketball Team’s game against NCAA Florida Gulf Coast University will be nationally televised.

Every year ESPN throws a Tip-Off Marathon in which they televise college basketball games all over the country to celebrate the start of the college basketball season.

This is the first time the University of Hartford has been given the honor to take part in the marathon.

Anyone can watch the game on ESPN2 on Tuesday on their personal televisions, but the game will be aired at the University Commons for anyone who wants to come and cheer on their fellow Hawks.

The University has decided to open up Commons to students, faculty, staff and the general public for a grand viewing of the game.

Students can use a meal swipe to enjoy a hearty breakfast. The cost for faculty and staff is $5, and the general public will be charged $6.99.

During the event prizes will be given out to those who display the best Hawk Spirit. Prizes will include a Microsoft Surface RT.

The Hartford Men’s Basketball Team will start their season playing a very high profile team that surprised the NCAA when they took them by storm and placed in the Sweet Sixteen.

After playing against Florida Gulf Coast University, the Hawks will take on National Championship title-holder Louisville on Tuesday, Nov. 19  in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Tournament.

Between the two events, the Hawks will host their season opener against Farleigh Dickinson University on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Chase Family Arena here on campus.

The UHa community is eager for the 2013-14 basketball season to commence.

To be invited to participate in ESPN’s Tip-Off Marathon is a celebratory achievement not only for the Men’s basketball team, but for the University in as a whole.