Lindenwood University is looking to fill up the Hyland Arena for its first ever sellout this Saturday when they host the University of Central Missouri in basketball. 

The event is being billed as the, “Sellout for Sterling,” in honor of Sterling Thomas.  Thomas, a freshman member of the football team, suffered a severe spinal cord injury during an October game. 

Several activities will take place including a halftime video update on Thomas’ condition. The Lindenwood student section is planning a special celebration when Lindenwood hits its 27^th point, in honor of Thomas’ number 27. A portion of the ticket sales from the game will go towards the Sterling Thomas fund.

Four hundred t-shirts will be handed out to students, and the first 500 students will receive free pizza. 

On the court, both the women’s and men’s teams will have a tough game.  Central Missouri women’s team is in 2^nd place in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), and they are ranked 11^th nationally in the USA Today Coaches poll.  Meanwhile, Central Missouri men’s team is atop the MIAA standings. 

*Does not include Thursday night’s win against Southwest Baptist

 Built in 1997, there has never been a sellout at the Hyland Arena.