University of St. Thomas Athletics
Red Panda highlights basketball opener festivities
11/5/2025 12:57:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Lee & Penny Anderson Arena
ST. PAUL, MINN. – Fans attending the University of St. Thomas basketball openers at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena are in for a treat. The Tommies announced that Red Panda, one of basketball's most iconic and familiar acts, will perform at halftime of the men's basketball game versus Army West Point, while local favorite The Fairly Odd Dogs will take the court at halftime of the women's game.
Known worldwide for her one-of-a-kind unicycle and bowl-juggling act, Rong "Krystal" Niu, known by her stage name Red Panda, has dazzled audiences at professional basketball venues across the globe, including the NBA and WNBA, for more than two decades. She has also appeared on Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent, advancing to the semifinals of BGT in 2025. Niu will make her St. Thomas debut on Saturday, November 8, performing at halftime of the men's basketball game versus Army. Tickets are still available at www.tommiesports.com/tickets.
The Fairly Odd Dogs return for their fourth season performing with Tommie basketball and will take the stage at halftime of the women's game versus Army. The professional dog trainers and their two most decorated rescue dogs, Psycho Suzie and Akela, a deaf rescue dog, will make their Lee & Penny Anderson Arena debut after performing in Schoenecker Arena the last three seasons. Tickets to see the Fairly Odd Dogs are available at www.tommiesports.com/tickets.
Purple on the Plaza, presented by Wings Credit Union
Purple on the Plaza, presented by Wings Credit Union, returns for the basketball openers at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on Saturday, November 8. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., fans can enjoy a variety of activities on Ryan Family Plaza, including food and beverage options, giveaways, and interactive games between the men's and women's contests. Purple on the Plaza is free and open to all fans.
Stripe out LPA
The first 2000 fans at the 2:00 p.m. women's game will receive a free Lee & Penny Anderson Arena inaugural T-shirt, courtesy of Wings Credit Union. For the 7:00 p.m. men's game, all fans will find a commemorative shirt on their seat to celebrate the first men's basketball game in the new facility.
