DES MOINES, Iowa – With the first exhibition contests less than three weeks away, fans can get an early look at the Drake University men's and women's basketball teams on Sunday afternoon at Jordan Creek Town Center as part of the Bulldogs' Ballin' In the Mall. The one-of-a-kind event will feature the Bulldogs entertaining fans on a temporary basketball court located inside the largest shopping center in the state of Iowa.

Both teams will take to the court in the middle of Jordan Creek Town Center starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20. Fans can enter through any entrance for the free event, with the north main entrance being the closest to the court at the center of the venue.

“We can't wait to take our team outside of the Knapp Center to our fans,” said Drake men's basketball coach Ray Giacoletti. “It should be a great chance to interact with our fans and take our program to a whole new audience.”

In addition to seeing the Bulldogs in action through various drills and contests, fans will also have the exclusive opportunity to meet this year's players and coaches, receive autographs, compete alongside their favorite Bulldogs and register for the chance to win great prizes.

“We really want to be part of the Des Moines community and this gives us the opportunity to step off campus and extend ourselves into the community,” said women's head coach Jennie Baranczyk. “It's a creative chance for us to provide a different venue for our fans and others to meet our team.”

Helping to bring a slice of the Knapp Center atmosphere to Jordan Creek Town Center will be the Bulldogs' cheerleaders and the mascots Spike and Porterhouse.

The men's team begins competition on Nov. 3 with an exhibition against Central College while the women begin exhibition action on Nov. 1 against Dubuque.

For tickets to the upcoming seasons, contact the Drake athletic ticket office at 515-271-DOGS or click here