CHICAGO (Nov. 4, 2026) – UIC Athletics will celebrate the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference champion Flames baseball team during Friday's Homecoming festivities, recognizing one of the department's most memorable accomplishments of the past year.

The celebration will begin at the free UIC Homecoming Tailgate (3:30-7 p.m. CT in Lot 1B, across from Credit Union 1 Arena), which is open to everyone (students, alumni and fans) and will feature, food, drinks, games and fireworks as a signature event on Homecoming Weekend. Members of the championship team will receive their MVC championship rings in a special ceremony at approximately 6 p.m., commemorating their remarkable run to the NCAA regionals and the hard work that brought a conference title back to Chicago.

The team, including MVC Coach of the Year Sean McDermott and his staff, will also be recognized on the court during Friday night's men's basketball Homecoming game against Robert Morris at Credit Union 1 Arena (tipoff at 7 p.m. CT), giving Flames fans an opportunity to celebrate the players and coaches who helped bring home the championship. Tickets for Friday's men's basketball game are still available through Ticketmaster or can be purchased at the arena box office on game night — all UIC students can attend the game free of charge with their student ID.

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