An Iona Basketball Game To Pay Tribute To Essential Workers

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Iona has found a way to honor essential workers that will allow those who helped keep the country running during a global pandemic to take a brief respite from the daily grind and enjoy themselves while supporting the hometown team.

On February 20, Iona will be celebrating essential workers during the men’s NCAA basketball game at the Hynes Athletics Center in New Rochelle. School officials are dubbing the event "Essential Worker Day."

As a special thank you to those who have served their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the school is offering free tickets to the game and a complimentary t-shirt for all essential workers who attend.

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For the purpose of this event, essential workers are classified as those who ensure the safety and well-being of the public as well as the continuity of everyday critical functions, including but not limited to law enforcement, health care providers, educators, journalists, retail workers and those in the service industry, organizers said.

The Gaels and legendary Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, who recently celebrated his 800th college career win, will take on Fairfield University with tip-off promptly at 1 p.m. T-shirts will be handed out on arrival. All essential workers are also welcome to invite their family and friends, who may also use the promo code for complimentary tickets.

Essential workers can redeem their complimentary tickets to the game online with the code HERO22 at iona.edu/tix by February 18.