WICHITA - WSU Athletics announced that the deadline to purchase tickets for the "Bringing Back MTXE" dinner has been set for Wednesday, Dec. 30 at noon.   

Attending the dinner will give fans the opportunity to dine with former Shocker head men's basketball coach Gene Smithson and several of his players. Tickets are in limited supply but can be ordered for $100 apiece until Wednesday by calling 316.978.FANS.

In recognition of Smithson and his players from the MTXE era, the “Bringing Back MTXE” event will take place during the men's basketball game against Bradley on Jan. 3. The current Shockers will pay tribute to the MTXE era throughout the game by wearing retro MTXE-style uniforms matching those of the former WSU greats.

Aside from purchasing dinner tickets, fans will have the chance to bid on game-worn throwback jerseys at the silent auction scheduled to take place during the game. Replica jerseys for a select number of former players will also be available for bidding. The auction will close approximately 20 minutes after the game's conclusion and each winner will be announced immediately following.

Smithson and players will be recognized during halftime before attending the dinner party following the game in the Champions Club in Charles Koch Arena.

Head Coach Gregg Marshall and the rest of the current Shocker coaching staff will join Smithson and the reunion members in attendance for dinner. Shocker legends Xavier McDaniel, Lynbert “Cheese” Johnson, Antoine Carr and Cliff Levingston are just a few guests scheduled to appear.

“We are excited to have these guys back at the Roundhouse for a great MVC rivalry game against Bradley,” Marshall said. “It will be a great experience for our players to meet and interact with so many Shocker legends.”

Smithson and his former players will reunite in Wichita on Jan. 2 at a private reunion held inside of Charles Koch Arena.

“I haven't seen most of them for many years,” Smithson said. “Both my wife and I are looking forward to the whole thing and just being a part of it. But, we're especially excited to see the players - they were our family, too.”

All proceeds from this event will support the Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization (SASO).