Lantz Arena will be filled with Blue Crew members this season during the Panthers basketball road through the Ohio Valley Conference this season.

The Blue Crew is a student fan group made to support both men’s and women’s basketball teams during home games at Lantz Arena.

An informational meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday in the Seventh Street Underground for anyone interested in joining the Blue Crew this season.

“We want those interested to attend this meeting so we can talk about seating location, get e-mail addresses and hand out t-shirts to those who are committed to attending home games,” said Dave Kidwell Eastern athletic director for sports information/marketing. The Blue Crew was a part of the 2000-2001 Panthers that won the OVC Men’s Basketball Tournament and qualified for the NCAA Tournament, but wasn’t involved at all last season.

During the 2000-01 season, Eastern went 13-0 at home and won by an average margin of 13 points per game.

This season, the 2002-2003 Panthers (3-5) have won two straight home games with the next contest in Lantz Arena Dec. 30 against Northern Illinois University.

“The Blue Crew was an integral part of the success of the men’s team two years ago,” Kidwell said. “We want to get that enthusiasm back again.”

This fall, Eastern head coach Rick Samuels made presentations at meetings with the Residence Hall Association and the Student Government.

“We had over 50 people who responded with interest so we’re encouraged that we’ll have a large turnout at Thursday’s meeting,” Kidwell said.

Kidwell said he would be disappointed unless 30-50 people attend the meeting.