Support the Illinois State Redbirds by attending the 2012 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference men’s or women’s basketball tournaments.

The men’s tournament runs from March 1-4, and will once again be played at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The women are in action the following weekend, March 8-11, at Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri.

A Redbird Rally will be held for the men at the Millenium Hotel lobby in St. Louis three hours prior to ISU’s first game of the tournament. There is no cost to attend the event. Food will be available for purchase at the hotel bar. Two complimentary drink tickets per hotel room will be provided to fans staying under the ISU fan block at the hotel.

“We are excited to host our annual pre-game event at the Millennium Hotel again,” ISU Assistant Athletics Director for Development Matt Lyons said. “The Redbird Rally is a great event that allows fans to get energized about Illinois State’s first game of the MVC tournament, as well as help send the team off as they depart the hotel for their first game.”

Fans are also encouraged to welcome the team back after each game by gathering in the lobby approximately 30 minutes after the game is completed.

While the hotel’s fan block has been sold out, rooms are still available at the Millenium, which is the official home for Illinois State during the tournament.

For more information about the men’s tournament, visit archmadness.com. During the tournament, a Redbird Athletics table will be located in the Millenium Hotel lobby.

A Redbird Rally for the women’s team will be released next week. Go to mvcstcharles.com to learn about the women’s tournament.

Contact the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000 for ticket information.