Columbus State University will continue its basketball-themed holiday tip-off and campus tree-lighting celebration on its Main Campus on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The events are free and open to the community.

Holiday festivities begin at 6 p.m., when free cookies and hot chocolate will be served by the university’s holiday tree outside the Student Recreation Center [map], nearest the Student Parking Deck [map]. At 6:15 p.m., Santa Claus, CSU President Stuart Rayfield and Cody the Cougar will arrive by fire truck to officially usher in the holiday season by lighting the campus tree.

The action continues in the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. [map], where the Men’s Basketball team begins play at 7 p.m. for their home opener against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

While attending the tree-lighting and basketball game is free, fans are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to benefit The Food Pantry at CSU. Operated by the William B. Turner Center for Servant Leadership, the campus food pantry assists CSU students experiencing food emergencies year-round. Like many community-based food pantries, Columbus State’s food pantry accepts non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products. It distributes those donations to students in need on a short-term basis. Items currently in the highest demand are canned soups and vegetables, instant macaroni and cheese, and individually packaged snacks and instant rice.

The Northside High School Drum Line and Clubview Elementary School Caroling Crew will perform at the tree-lighting and basketball game. During the game, younger fans can take pictures with Cody, visit the Kids Zone play area, and those 12 and under can participate in an indoor snowball fight during halftime. Fans of all ages can enjoy CSU Cheer Team performances and other spectator activities during the game.

Food and beverage concessions will be available throughout the game, but students, employees and fans can also visit the Cougar Café [map] in the Davidson Student Center before the game for a holiday-themed meal beginning at 5 p.m. The cost is $8.50 per meal for those not using a campus meal plan.

Columbus State students are admitted to all Athletics home games for free—as are university employees and a guest—with a valid university ID. Fans ages 18 and under are always admitted for free. Season and single-game men’s and women’s basketball tickets are on sale now. CSU Athletics also offers an all-athletics pass that includes year-round admission to all regular-season Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Baseball and Softball home games.

This annual tradition is also a featured milestone within Cougar Tracks, Columbus State’s student-experience framework that connects key moments of belonging, spirit, and engagement throughout the academic year. For more information and updates about this event, visit the university’s online events calendar.