When Homecoming weekend rolls around, all that seems to be on the mind of most students and alums is Saturday’s football game. They want to know who the Panthers are playing, how good they are this season and what the outcome of the game will likely be.

Second to that is in other home sporting events that are also taking place that weekend. But for the 2001 Homecoming weekend, that interest is minimal. The women’s soccer team is the only other squad that will take the field at home this weekend. Men’s soccer, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, volleyball and rugby are all on the road for Homecoming.

But there are other Eastern athletic activities taking place this weekend with two of the Panthers’ sports that are likely least associated with Homecoming – baseball and basketball.

The grand opening ceremony for the new Coaches’ Stadium at Monier Field will take place Saturday morning at 11. On hand for the event will be former Panther standouts and big leaguers Tim Pyznarski and Kevin Seitzer.

Pyznarski, a 1981 grad, was a Sporting News All-American at Eastern and was a first-round draft pick by the Athletics. Seitzer, a 1983 grad, was the most dominant third baseman to come through Eastern.

The two are also expected to be on hand Sunday when former Panthers split into two squads for an alumni game. The game will mark the first at the new Coaches’ Stadium.

In addition to baseball, the Panther men’s basketball team will officially begin its quest for another Ohio Valley Conference Championship Friday night. The Panthers’ will hold their annual Midnight Madness, beginning at 10 p.m.

Shooting contests and other games will be held. Full-ride tuitions are expected to be given away to students as well as a variety of other prizes. Players and coaches will also be available to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.