Promotions pump up CSU vs. Wisconsin showdown

CSU’s volleyball team has played in some big matches, and on Saturday the Rams will add another.

That’s when the No. 13 Rams host No. 4 Wisconsin, last year’s national runner-up, in a 7 p.m. match at what CSU officials expect will be a packed Moby Arena.

To make sure fans are pumped up, there will be plenty of promotions.

It starts with a barbecue for students prior to the match. Beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the lawn north of Moby Arena, the first 500 students will receive free pizza from Papa John’s.

Additional food samples — including from Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, TCBY and more — will be available from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prizes, including a volleyball signed by Tom Hilbert, will be given away.

There will be 1,500 white-out posters given out at the match. Also, fans are encouraged to wear white CSU shirts. CSU is expecting one of the largest crowds in team history.

Tickets can be purchased at the McGraw Athletic Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, over the phone at (970) 491-RAMS or online at csurams.com/tickets. Student tickets are free and can be picked up online or at the McGraw Athletic Center.

CSU holds 16 wins against top-10 opponents, with the most recent coming in 2011, over No. 5 Nebraska. That was also the most recent meeting between two top-15 teams. CSU, ranked No. 15 at the time, fell behind 2-0 before storming back to knock off the Huskers in front of 6,750 fans.

The Rams are 4-0 and have not lost a set. Wisconsin is 2-0 and has not lost a set. The Rams host Florida A&M at 7 p.m. Friday.