The wait is over. Valpo basketball is officially back. 🏀
The Beacons open the 2026-27 season Monday night against a completely rebuilt Western Illinois team at the ARC. On paper, Valpo should control this one, but after last year’s opening-night scare, can the Beacons come out sharp and impose themselves from the opening tip?
I break down the new-look Leathernecks, the players to watch, what Valpo needs to do to win, and a few things I’ll be watching as the preseason finally gives way to games that count.
👉 Game Preview: The Wait Is Over as Valpo Opens the 2026-27 Season Against Western Illinois
Great write-up, Bryan. Attendance last year, especially the non-conference, wasn't great. Hoping that with lots of returning players and higher expectations, we will see a much better turnout.
What do we think the over / under attendance is?
@804union according to the radio broadcast on Tuesday, the official attendance for the exhibition was 1441. That seems a little higher than it felt for sure, but if true that would be a great sign for the year ahead. Perhaps set that as our actual opening night over/under?
Wow, 1441 for an exhibition is solid. More than all but one non-con game last year.
Wow I’m surprised by that number as well. There certainly was some buzz in building on Tuesday night. Here is to hoping Monday night we double it. I’d be thrilled to eclipse 1500 though.
Let’s set the over under at 1,800. Returning faces help! The night before mid term election night. And the Weather looks to be rainy and cool.
Bears - Seahawks MNF that night. My season ticket holder father that reliably attends will not be there. Expect it to make an impact.
I believe the 1441. It struck me that it was well attended for an exhibition game. Student section was almost half filled. A lot support from football team. Heck, there was well over a 100 fans in the upper section of the bleacher seats
Cmon Vok! Surely you can teach the man how to get the game on his phone 🤣 . All jokes aside I dont expect a lot of general public to be there as a result of the MNF game. Students however could be interesting. They are the backbone of the fanbase