ORU Making Final Preparations For Sweet 16 Matchup Watch party

Oral Roberts University’s Men’s Basketball team takes on Arkansas on Saturday in the Sweet 16, hoping to clinch their way to the Elite Eight.

Employees are making final preparations at the Mabee Center Arena, where a watch party will be open to the public for the game. Even with COVID-19 restrictions, ORU said it will have enough room for about 3,000 fans.

ORU said about 900 people were at the Mabee Center watch party last weekend to celebrate the win against Florida.

With about 300 seats on the floor, and thousands more in the stands, the school is welcoming not just students, but anyone who wants to celebrate the Golden Eagles.

Director of Athletic Communications Jarrett Hardwick said masks are required. He said doors will open on the north side of the arena, about an hour before the game, which starts at 6:25 p.m.

Three big screens will display the game against the Razorbacks.

“It’s super exciting to play a team that you know, and it’s regional and kind of gain some excitement between the two states,” Hardwick said.

Hardwick said if ORU wins against Arkansas, they will be ready to welcome fans back to the Mabee Center again on Monday for the next game.