Transylvania, Northern Kentucky University Exhibition Basketball Game To Benefit Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief

Original story by Megan Moloney

When the Transylvania men’s basketball team kicks off its season welcoming the Division I Norse from Northern Kentucky University, supporters of both teams will be helping fellow Kentuckians impacted by flooding this summer. All proceeds from the Nov. 1 game will be donated to the ARH Foundation Relief Fund to assist individuals and the Eastern Kentucky communities still recovering from devastating losses.

The contest tips off at 7:30 p.m. in the Clive M. Beck Center on Transylvania’s downtown Lexington campus. Tickets, which will be sold at the door, are $8 for adults and $5 for students (ages 5-17). Transy faculty, staff and students with a Crimson Card and children ages 4 and under get in free. 

In addition to proceeds from ticket sales, Transylvania will also hold a winter clothing and coat drive. New winter clothing and gently used winter coats (not sweaters or fleece pullovers) and cash donations will be collected at the game for ARH to distribute. Those not able to attend in person who would like to make a donation can do so online at this link. 

“We’re excited that the Transy-NKU season opener provides us with this opportunity to help our neighbors,” said President Brien Lewis. “It’s also a great example of how our partnership with Appalachian Regional Healthcare not only focuses on providing academic opportunities for our students, but how our university community can serve their constituents.”

Christina Roybal, vice president and director of NKU Athletics, said: “We are pleased and excited to be able to bring our two Kentucky institutions together for such a great cause to help Kentucky residents who have been affected by the floods. We want to thank Transylvania leadership, both on campus and in athletics, for their partnership in helping us put this fundraiser together. It is going to be a really special night in downtown Lexington as the Norse and Pioneers come together both on the court and as one Kentucky community.” 

“In the days that have followed the catastrophic flooding, support for our ARH family and our Eastern Kentucky communities has been phenomenal thanks to the outpouring of giving locally and from across the country,” said ARH President and CEO Hollie Phillips. “Our Eastern Kentucky communities and the families impacted by these floods will not recover from this devastation anytime soon and will continue to have many unique needs as winter approaches.” 

“We are thankful that so many people still want to help, such as our partner Transylvania University. This continued support will allow our ARH Foundation and the Flood Relief Fund to remain a reliable source of assistance for our communities during this healing and rebuilding process,” Phillips added. 

The Pioneers and Norse last met up in 2019 in Highland Heights with Northern taking the win. Since the first meeting in the 1971-72 season, the teams have played 15 times, with Transy leading the series 8-7. 

The game is a return to Lexington for NKU coach Darrin Horn who, along with Transy coach Brian Lane, both played high school basketball at Tates Creek for Pioneer Hall of Famer Nolan Barger. 

Transylvania, NKU exhibition basketball game to benefit Eastern Kentucky flood relief

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