DAHLONEGA - After three exhibition matchups prior to the holiday break, the University of North Georgia men's basketball team will open up regular season play against Flagler Wednesday inside the UNG Convocation Center.

The Nighthawks battled Mercer, Georgia and Chattanooga in exhibition matchups to help prepare for the 2020-21 slate. UNG features largely a brand new roster with just five players returning from last year's roster. Despite the few returners from last year, the Nighthawks have a lot of collegiate experience with four of the newcomers transferring in from other collegiate teams.

Flagler comes into Dahlonega with a 2-1 record with wins over Division I Central Michigan and North Florida. The Saints are led by Jaizec Lottie, who averages a league leading 28.3 points per game, the third best scoring mark in the nation.

Wednesday's game will feature complimentary admission into the building at a first come, first serve basis up to a 10% capacity (approximately 300 fans). Nighthawks Athletic Club memberships supporting the student-athlete experience remain available with members at the All-Region and up levels granted guaranteed access to home games with reserved priority seating. Sections will now be reserved for Nighthawks Athletic Club members and guests of student-athletes.
 
UNG adjusted the seating configuration to adhere to social distancing in the UNG Convocation Center for the 2020-21 season, and Nighthawks Athletic Club members, UNG students and student-athlete guests will have top priority in the process. All spectators will be seated in the upper-level seats; no lower-level or courtside seating will be available this season. Rows and seats are marked with yellow stickers to maintain six feet of separation between attendees, who are not members of the same party. Masks/face coverings are required for entry into the facility and must be worn at all times while inside the arena and during any game. Any individual who does not comply with this policy will be asked to leave the facility.

Fans wanting to watch the game from home or anywhere around the world can tune in to the Nighthawk Sports Network with the Voice of the Nighthawks Craig Corbin calling all of the action starting 10 minutes prior to tipoff. The game will be carried on the PBC Network powered by BlueFrame as well as YouTube and Facebook Live. Windstream cable customers can find the game on Georgia Mountain Television at channels 78.12 and HD channel 890.