Jump ball 19:30 vs. USC Heidelberg at Olympia Eissportzentrum

Munich, Sep 25 - You've read the title of the article twice now, and ask, 'wait, Bayern has a basketball team?  FC Bayern?  Sal, are you still on summer holiday?'

No, I'm no longer on holiday and I have not made an error.  FC Bayern Basketball begin their 2.Liga ProA season tonight with one goal in mind:  "Mission:  Aufstieg" - translated "Mission:  Promotion".  And the first opponent is USC Heidelberg who are in town for a 19:30 tip-off at the Olympia Eissportzentrum.

Bayern played their last pre-season match Thursday night against the champions of Basketball Bundesliga, Brose Baskets Bamberg.  A crowd of around 2800 witnessed a smashing start in the first quarter, as the lead exchanged hands many times.  But as both teams settled down, Bamberg demonstrated why they are the defending German champions in the top league and pulled away for a 73-60 win.  A minor back injury to guard Steffen Hamann certainly influenced the game, as head coach Dirk Bauermann rested him in the 2nd half.

However, the initial impression of the level of play and the electric crowd was not lost on the Bayern brass.  "I am excited about the atmosphere," said Bayern President Uli Hoeness.  "I'm convinced that those who were (in attendance) will come back."

If you missed out on the action in the past, it's not too late to join  and witness the team's rise to the top league.  The quest starts for real today.

Limited tickets available for tonight and the next match on October 9th.  For more information visit http://bit.ly/eventimtixbayernbball  (site is in German)

Saturday, September 25th FC Bayern Basketball vs. USC Heidelberg, 19:30

Saturday, October 9th FC Bayern Basketball vs. UBC Hannover Tigers, 19:30