Why You Should Go to the USF Basketball Game, as if You Needed More Convincing

It's the biggest game in a very long time for the USF family. The Bulls are taking on West Virginia for a shot at 20 wins (19 if you don't count the win against Florida Southern, since they're DII). They're coming off a monumental victory on the road against top-20 ranked Louisville that may have just put them in serious contention for the NCAA tournament by itself. Now USF is coming home for a senior day season closer against West Virginia in what analysts and fans alike have been calling the one of the biggest home games in school history.

Before I tell you the perks, I'm going to tell you just what scenarios may be at stake here: USF is currently tied for third place in the Big East conference with Notre Dame and Georgetown. Notre Dame plays at home against Providence, and Georgetown plays against Marquette. If one of those teams loses, and USF wins, USF grabs a #4 seed and a double-bye in the Big East conference tournament. If by some miracle both of those teams lose, then USF will slide into the #3 seed behind just Syracuse and Marquette. If both teams happen to win, or if USF drops the game against WVU, they'll remain in the #5 spot with a chance to play an opponent seeded below them. Now, after the jump, I'll share some of those tempting incentives with you.

1. FREE SHIRTS! - USF Athletics has announced that they'll be handing out free white T-shirts that just say "MADNESS" on them for the entire lower bowl, courtesy of Grow Financial and Sagicor. So get there early. I know I will be.

2. FREE PARKING! - While spots last, USF students will be able to park for free in the North lot by the Forum. Again, get there early.

3. FREE ADMISSION! - Students, you already know you get in free. Adult tickets are just $10 as well, which has to be one of the best ticket deals among all those tournament contending schools. And alumni/fans, bring your kids, because they're in for free too.

4. FREE MONEY! - For the first 150 kids who come into the game, Fifth-Third Bank will be handing out special buckets, and after the game they'll be spreading out 53,000 pennies around the court for the kids to pick up. Maybe you'll make back your $10 you spent on the ticket if your kid is good at this.

5. CHEAP FOOD! - For kids, there's a great concession deal that will keep both them and their parents happy. Chicken nuggets and fries meal for $3. As for students, anyone who displays their USF ID can get a hot dog for $2.

6. SWEET ENTERTAINMENT! - If it wasn't already obvious that USF is really working on their appeal to families, they've called in the Inflatamaniacs. If you don't remember them from last year's performance in the USF-Villanova game, here's a video of what to expect.