Jan. 18, 2005

WACO, Texas - The Baylor men's and women's basketball teams signed autographs at Richland Mall Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The two teams signed posters, basketballs and programs for fans of all ages. About 500 supporters were in attendance, some even arriving as early as 6:30 a.m. to ensure their place in line.

The appearance was aimed to promote the Lady Bears' top five national ranking and the men's nationally televised game against Colorado on Wednesday, Jan. 19, which will be part of ESPN Classic's "Turn Back the Clock" series.

The telecast is part of a new weekly program on ESPN Classic that will air live college basketball games each Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT. The Bears-Buffs contest is the third of nine planned games in the weekly series.

The cable network hopes to capture the look and feel of a 1979 telecast, the first year ESPN was on the air. The series utilizes retro graphics, 1970s-era music and "throwback" announcers. Jim Simpson, an original ESPN commentator, has come out of retirement to do play-by-play announcing for the game, and he is expected to be joined by former coaching great Jud Heathcote on the telecast.

In the spirit of the "Turn Back the Clock" series, Baylor's athletic department is encouraging all fans to dust off their polyester suits and afro wigs and help create an old-school atmosphere. Baylor's cheerleaders will wear retro uniforms and The Courtside Players pep bad will perform tunes from the 1970s.

Free pizza will be awarded to the best-dressed fans in the crowd and one lucky fan will win free pizza for a year from Pizza Hut. Baylor will also turn back food prices at the Ferrell Center and sell all concession items at $1 off. Additional giveaway items will be provided by ESPN and Pizza Hut.

The Lady Bears next home game against Texas A&M will take place Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.