November 26, 2019
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame will be the site of a “Battle of the Oranges” pep rally that features a special ticket package and meet-and-greet with former Lady Vols before the Tennessee vs. Texas game on Dec. 8.
Orange Mountain Designs, an officially licensed retailer for the University of Tennessee, is offering a $30 “triple” package that includes admission to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, game ticket and special “Battle of the Oranges” T-shirt. A $20 ticket package also is available for fans who already have a game ticket that includes the T-shirt and hall admission.
The packages are available for purchase online at https://orangemountaindesigns.com/ or by visiting the store, located at Foothills Mall in Maryville. The special offer also serves as a fundraiser for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which is located at 700 S. Hall of Fame Drive in downtown Knoxville.
The pep rally will be held from 10 am.-1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Game time for Tennessee vs. Texas is set for 2 p.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena, which is a five-minute drive from the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
“We know how passionate basketball fans are and a partnership with Orange Mountain Designs before the Tennessee vs. Texas game is a perfect way to showcase our venue and our dedication to all levels of women’s basketball,” said Dana Hart, president of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. “It also is the perfect place to hold events and parties, so this pep rally fits well with our mission to honor the past, celebrate the present and promote the future of women’s basketball.”
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is located in downtown Knoxville.
Former Lady Vol and Maryville native Cait McMahan, who serves as a DJ for ESPN’s College Gameday on football Saturdays, will be the DJ. More than 30 former Lady Vol basketball players will be in attendance, including Abby Conklin, Alexis Hornbuckle and Brittany Jackson.
A new print of the late Pat Summitt called “The Legacy” will be available at the event. Artist Lois Alexander, who also creates the art for the annual hall induction programs, will be signing prints.
Terri Holder, owner of Orange Mountain Designs, opened her business in 2008 at the urging of Pat Summitt, who wanted a store dedicated to Lady Vol apparel and gear. Summitt retired in 2012 and passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, but Holder has continued her close friend’s mission.
“Everything I do now is to promote the Lady Vols, support the game and honor the memory of Pat,” Holder said. “This pep rally will raise awareness and funds for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and give Tennessee fans a chance to show their true orange colors.”
Author Maria M. Cornelius also will attend the event. Cornelius covers the Lady Vols for GoVols247, part of the 247Sports online network, and wrote “The Final Season: The Perseverance of Pat Summitt.” The book will be available for purchase at the event, and Orange Mountain Designs will be set up on-site to sell Lady Vols apparel and gear.
Thirteen women with ties to the Lady Vols have been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, including Summitt who was in the inaugural class in 1999. The other 12 are: Cindy Brogdon, 2002; Daedra Charles-Furlow, 2007; Joan Cronan; 2019; Mickie DeMoss, 2018; Bridgette Gordon, 2007; Cindy Noble Hauserman, 2000; Chamique Holdsclaw, 2018; Nikki McCray-Penson; 2012; Gloria Ray, 2010; Patricia Roberts, 2000; Jill Rankin Schneider, 2008; and Holly Warlick, 2001.
About Orange Mountain Designs
Orange Mountain Designs, located in Foothills Mall in Maryville, Tennessee, is an officially licensed retailer for the University of Tennessee. At the behest of Pat Summitt, Orange Mountain Designs was established in 2008 by Terri Holder, a native of East Tennessee and longtime Lady Vol advocate. The store specializes in Lady Vol apparel and gear and also features historical items from the late Pat Summitt’s career, including championship rings, basketballs and rare photographs, as the exclusive retailer for the Pat Summitt Leadership Group. Visit orangemountaindesigns.com for more information. The store is open Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
About the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame opened in June 1999 in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball. In addition to preserving the history of the game, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is the perfect location for special events, proms, wedding receptions, corporate meetings, birthday parties and reunions, to name a few. Whether you are looking for inspiration, education or just plain fun, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is the place to find it! Visit https://www.wbhof.com/ for more information.
