ETTRICK, VA — College basketball season is approaching, and Virginia State University is preparing to welcome fans back to the Multipurpose Center.
On October 20, Virginia State Athletics announced that season tickets and individual game tickets for the 2026–27 men's and women's basketball seasons are available. The announcement comes as both programs prepare for November home openers.
Men's head coach Lonnie Blow Jr. is preparing for his 14th season leading the Trojans, while women's head coach Millette Green enters her second campaign. For fans throughout Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Chesterfield and greater Richmond, the season offers an opportunity to experience CIAA basketball close to home.
## Virginia State Faces Old Dominion Saturday
Before the regular season begins, Virginia State's men's basketball team faces a preseason challenge. The Trojans travel to Norfolk on Saturday, October 24, for a 7 p.m. exhibition against Old Dominion University at Chartway Arena.
The matchup allows Virginia State to evaluate its preparation against an NCAA Division I opponent. Old Dominion recently faced another Central Virginia program, falling 71–57 to VCU in an October 17 exhibition.
Exhibition outcomes do not count toward regular-season records, but facing Division I competition can help identify areas for improvement. Virginia State's official schedule also includes a November 4 home exhibition against Averett University.
## November 10 Marks a Major Night
Both Virginia State programs are scheduled to open regular-season competition at home on November 10. The women's team faces the University of the District of Columbia at 5:30 p.m. The men's team follows against the same institution at 7:30 p.m.
The shared opening date gives supporters an opportunity to experience both programs in one evening at the Multipurpose Center.
Another notable date is November 19, when Virginia State hosts Winston-Salem State in women's and men's basketball, scheduled for 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., respectively.
## Ticket Options for Trojan Basketball
Virginia State's October 20 announcement confirmed these ticket options:
- Single-game admission: $16 - Doubleheader admission: $26 - Season ticket: $154 - Courtside admission: $46 per game
Tickets are available through official university ticketing channels or the Multipurpose Center box office. The box office operates Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fans can contact 804-524-3235 for more information.
## Road to the CIAA Tournament Begins at Home
The men's program hosts the Trojan Tip-Off Classic November 13–14, with scheduled games against Shepherd and East Stroudsburg.
The women's program begins its preseason schedule with exhibitions against Norfolk State on November 2 and Old Dominion on November 5.
January 16 brings another significant date when Virginia State hosts rival Virginia Union in men's and women's basketball. These matchups offer another chapter in Central Virginia's HBCU basketball tradition.
For younger players, the approaching season provides opportunities to observe collegiate competition, different playing styles and the atmosphere surrounding CIAA basketball.
## Central Virginia Basketball Is Bigger Than One City
Richmond's basketball identity extends throughout the surrounding region. Virginia State contributes to that identity through its men's and women's programs, HBCU traditions and presence in the CIAA.
With tickets available and the preseason underway, supporters can follow the Trojans from exhibitions through conference competition.
The road to another CIAA season starts now, and Virginia State is preparing to defend its home court.
Sources: https://govsutrojans.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule https://govsutrojans.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule https://www.chartwayarena.com/odu-mens-basketball