HUNTINGTON – The Marshall University Marshall Thundering Herd want the world to know they are Friends of Coal.

This Thursday, February 18th, at 7 p.m. the Herd will play host to the Charlotte 49’ers at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington. All coal miners and affiliated employees can use the promo code HERDCOAL on Herdzone.com, or just show your Friends of Coal sticker at the door to receive tickets discounted to just $5 tickets for the game.

The Herd’s Head Basketball Coach Dan D’Antoni said the night will be a “special night honoring the coal miner and all those who work in the coal industry in West Virginia.”
The team will wear its black uniforms in honor of our coal miners. D’Antoni called for a “blackout” at the game.

D’Antoni knows the importance of coal to the state firsthand.

“My grandfather was a coal miner and I grew up in coal country,” D’Antoni said. “The first 500 fans will receive a special Friends of Coal t-shirt and we hope everyone else will wear black to honor our proud history here in the state.

West Virginia Coal Association Senior Vice President Chris Hamilton said the event shows the bonds between the industry and the state.

“We are proud of our relationship with the state’s universities,” Hamilton said. “Many of our miners, their children, our management, their children and grandchildren have worn the green and white of Marshall. We appreciate Marshall’s recognition of our people and we urge all Friend of Coal to head to the Henderson Center this Thursday evening. Let’s rock the Henderson Center with coal!”