TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler men's and women's basketball will host their annual Holiday Hoopla inside the Herrington Patriot Center on Saturday, December 13, as the Patriots welcome St. Edward's for a 1 p.m. women's game and 3 p.m. men's game.
 
This year's Holiday Hoopla features a canned food drive and toy drive, along with a variety of winter-themed activities—including free pictures with Santa and complimentary cookies, cupcakes, and hot chocolate, and an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Admission is FREE with a canned food or toy donation, and fans who bring a toy will also receive a free UT Tyler beanie.
 
Donations from the canned food drive will support both the UT Tyler Food Pantry and PATH (People Attempting to Help). The UT Tyler Food Pantry provides supplemental assistance for students, employees, and community members throughout the year. PATH, founded in 1985, serves over 25,000 individuals in Smith County and offers personalized support to connect families with the resources they need.
 
The toy drive is held in partnership with the UT Tyler Police Department to benefit the Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County (CAC). The CAC is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the lives of children who have experienced abuse by coordinating investigative services, medical care, and healing programs under one roof.
 
In addition to pregame festivities, Holiday Hoopla will feature an ugly Christmas sweater contest, holiday-themed promotions, and a variety of prizes throughout the afternoon. The women's game will begin at 1 p.m. and the men's game will follow at approximately 3 p.m., both inside the Herrington Patriot Center.