March 5, 2009

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics announced on Thursday evening that after conferring with Winston-Salem Entertainment and Sports Complex administrators and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference officiating crew, it has been deemed necessary to move both the men's and women's basketball contests versus South Carolina State University to the C.E. Gaines Center on campus.

Upon pre-game examination of the floor it was discovered that a floor panel had broken loose from its support brace causing an elevated playing surface that presented a safety hazard that was unable to be remedied, thus prompting the changing of the games to an on-campus venue.

"Our primary concern is always for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes and upon closer examination of the playing surface it has been determined that the floor presents a safety hazard that we could not fix, thereby forcing us to move the games back to the Gaines Center" WSSU Interim Director of Athletics, Tonia Walker commented.

The contests, originally slated for a 5:30 pm women's and 7:30 pm men's tipoff have been delayed until 7:30 p.m. at the Gaines Center when the women will face the Lady Bulldogs with the men taking to the court at 9:30 p.m.

For additional information, contact Winston-Salem State University Assistant Director of Athletics for Media Relations, Chris Zona in the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or on his cellular phone at (336) 391-8852.