College Basketball: Fort Myers Tip Off is back in town

The Fort Myers Tip-off is back and some of the biggest names in college basketball have descended on south Fort Myers.

A few Gonzaga and Kansas fans made the trip to see this huge matchup in person. For the Thompson family, the chance to see the Jayhawks play means the world.

Because Rod Thompson has a son on the team. “We’re very thankful we’re able to come we didn’t know we were going to be able to come our son plays for Kansas,” said Thompson.

Bryce Thompson is a freshman at Kansas. It was a no brainer for his dad Rod and the rest of his family to travel from Tulsa for Bryce’s first game.

“You dream about this all the time, I mean to be on national television Thanksgiving Day against the number one team in the country? I mean this is what you’ve been working toward since you’re a small basketball player so to be able to experience it, it’s great,” said Thompson.

The Thompsons know that they’re getting the opportunity to do something that so many basketball fans can’t right now – see a game in person.

Most college basketball games are currently being played in empty arenas. But, a small number of fans could buy tickets to see Number one Gonzaga take on Number six Kansas.

The Lambert family flew all the way from Seattle to see the Gonzaga Bulldogs. “We’re very fortunate to this kind of talent in an arena especially nowadays,” said Ryan Lambert.

They say they were a little concerned at first but they decide to make a safe trip across the country. “We love our Zags to be able to see them on Thanksgiving day in beautiful Florida we couldn’t beat it,” said Lambert.

Win or Lose Rod will never forget Thanksgiving 2020. “The memories of coming to Florida on Thanksgiving will always be etched in our hearts,” said Thompson.

Basketball fans are especially thankful this year to see their favorite players back on the court.

Fans at today’s game were asked to wear a mask at all times and had designated seats spaced out.

Tickets are still available if you’re interested in attending day two of the Fort Myers Tip Off.