FLORENCE, Ala. (October 10, 2025) – The University of North Alabama men's basketball team has an exciting night of festivities planned for the regular season home opener on Friday, Nov. 7, as the Lions will host a "Night of Champions" inside CB&S Bank Arena at 6 p.m.
 
Prior to tipoff against Lane College, UNA will have a ring presentation and banner drop for the 2025 Atlantic Sun Conference Regular Season Championship. Ten members of that team remain on the current roster and will be part of the recognition.
 
In addition, the Lions will officially recognize the naming of Gary Elliott Court.
 
Gary Elliott served as the head women's basketball coach from 1979-82 and the head men's basketball coach from 1989-2003. He also coached baseball and golf while at UNA. He has 425 wins as a head coach with a 270-150 record on the men's basketball side. Elliott led the Lions to the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1991 and was named the National Division II Coach of the Year.
 
"We are excited to celebrate the great accomplishments of last season and to honor Coach Gary Elliott, who is one of the pillars of our program and the shoulders we stand on in our success today," said UNA head men's basketball coach Tony Pujol. "We are ready to 'Pack the Bank' on November 1 for our exhibition and November 7 for our Night of Champions."
 
The Lions will host Stillman College in an exhibition on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. This event will be ticketed and is open to the public. UNA opens the regular season on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Mississippi State before returning home for Night of Champions against Lane that Friday night.
 
Fans are also invited to attend Purple Pandemonium on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. inside CB&S Bank Arena. Purple Pandemonium will tie into UNA's annual homecoming pep rally. The event is free of charge and open to the public, including students, alumni, faculty and staff. Purple Pandemonium is presented by Mugshots Grill & Bar.
 
Tickets can be purchased at RoarLions.com or by calling 256-765-5466.
 
For more information on UNA Men's Basketball, click here.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.