Legacy panel highlights Laydens' court celebration weekend at Niagara University

Niagara University will officially unveil the naming of the Gallagher Center court after Frank and Barbara Layden Saturday, Dec. 6, before the Purple Eagles host Canisius College at 3 p.m. Niagara University will hold several events celebrating this occasion, including a panel discussion with college basketball legends.

The festivities begin Friday, Dec. 5, when Frank Layden will participate in the pregame puck drop ahead of the Niagara hockey team's game against Holy Cross at 7:05 p.m.

On Saturday, a "Legacy of Niagara Basketball" panel will be held in the Castellani Art Museum at 11 a.m. The panel features Frank Layden, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers Hubie Brown and Calvin Murphy and United States Basketball Writers Association Hall of Famer Dick Weiss. To RSVP for the panel, contact Jennifer Ebbole at 716-286-8600 by Tuesday, Nov. 25. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

Purple Eagles fans will have several opportunities to cheer on Niagara Athletics during the special weekend. The men's basketball team faces rival Canisius Dec. 6 on ESPN3, the women's basketball team hosts St. Peter's at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and Manhattan Sunday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. The hockey team welcomes Holy Cross for a two-game series at 7:05 p.m. Dec. 5-6.

For ticket information, contact the Niagara Athletics Ticket Office at 716-286-8499, www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets, or [email protected].