SAN FRANCISCO - In anticipation of the 2017-18 basketball season, the University of San Francisco will host its third annual Dons' Tip-Off Gala on Thurs., Oct. 12 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom, located in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Financial District at 465 California Street.

The hosted cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner program to celebrate USF Dons Basketball.  As part of the program hosted by KPIX's Vern Glenn, both men's and women's basketball teams will be introduced and the coaches will offer a preview of their seasons followed by a Q & A discussion and an opportunity to engage with the teams and coaches throughout the evening.

This year's program will feature a special guest speaker who will be named at a later date.
 
Also highlighting the event will be the recognition of the third recipient to receive the Jim Brovelli Award. The honoree will be announced on the USF Dons website next Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Individual tickets to the event have been priced at $250, with the option to purchase a "Name Your Table" for eight for $2,500. This table offering includes the guest or company name on the placard designating your table. In addition, Celebrity Tables can be purchased, also including eight seats at the table. For inquiries, please contact Julie Congi at congi@usfca.edu.

In the spirit of engagement, each table will also include seating for a student-athlete, member of the coaching staff or representatives of the athletic department.

All proceeds from the night benefit USF's men's and women's basketball programs.

The USF men's and women's basketball teams tip off on the Hilltop in a special season-opening doubleheader on Nov. 10, as the women take on Cal Poly at 6 p.m., followed by the men's opener against Long Beach State at 8 p.m.

To register for this event, please visit usfdons.com/tipoffgala. For questions or to become a $10,000 underwriting sponsor, contact Julie Congi at congi@usfca.edu.