The excitement of Brock University’s marquee basketball event will return to downtown St. Catharines next week as the Badgers take over the Meridian Centre once again.

On Friday, Jan. 17, the annual Paint the Meridian Red doubleheader will feature the Brock men’s and women’s basketball teams as they host the McMaster Marauders in front of an electrifying crowd.

The evening tips off with the women’s game at 6 p.m., followed by the men’s matchup at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca

The Badgers come into the event with strong records. The women’s team, sitting at the top of the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Central division at 8-3, faces a Marauders squad on a four-game losing streak. On the men’s side, Brock (8-3) rides a five-game winning streak into their clash with McMaster, who is 1-11 in the division.

For fourth-year Medical Sciences student and Niagara-born standout Madalyn Weinert, who leads the province in scoring with 18.9 points per game, playing at the Meridian Centre is always a highlight.

“Every time we play at the Meridian Centre, it’s a special experience,” Weinert said. “As someone who grew up in Niagara, it means so much to represent Brock in front of my hometown. The energy in the arena is always incredible, and having family, friends and local fans there makes it even more unforgettable. It’s a reminder of how much this community supports us.”

The men’s team is led by second-year Sport Management student Davante Hackett, who averages 13.9 points per game and is a key player for the Badgers. He echoed the sentiment of how meaningful the event is for the team and the community.

“Paint the Meridian Red is such a special event for our team and the community,” Hackett said. “It’s more than just a game, it’s about bringing everyone together and feeling the support of the Brock and Niagara communities. The energy in the arena is unmatched, and it’s an honour to be a part of something that means so much to so many people.”

Melissa Krist, Executive Director, Sports and Recreation at Brock, also emphasized the significance of the event for both the University and the Niagara community.

“Paint the Meridian Red is an incredible showcase of school pride and community spirit,” Krist said. “The energy at these games is unmatched, creating unforgettable experiences for our student-athletes and fans. It’s a tradition that connects us with the Niagara region and celebrates everything Brock stands for.”

Paint the Meridian Red is more than basketball. Fans can enjoy a community zone with family-friendly activities, including face painting and games.

Brock University alumni attending the event are invited to check in at the entrance to receive their wristbands and gather in Section 114, where they can access the lower bar to connect and celebrate.