Men’s Basketball Set to Travel Abroad

PISCATAWAY - The Rutgers University men's basketball team will embark on a foreign tour to Spain from August 5-16, highlighted by stops in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. The Scarlet Knights will immerse themselves in the culture through educational tours and sightseeing excursions, while also playing games against professional club teams. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to have a meaningful experience culturally and educationally around the game of basketball," said head coach Steve Pikiell. "We are very thankful to the donors who helped make this tour possible. We continue to grow as a program, and this trip will help build unity to further our progress." Madrid is the initial destination, with visits to Plaza Mayor, Debod Temple, Gran Via, Palacio Real and Plaza de Espana upon the itinerary. A sightseeing trip to Toledo is also on the agenda, before the team arrives in Valencia. The Central Market, Cathedral, Silk Exchange, City of Arts and Science and Cabanyal Beach will be explored by the Scarlet Knights. Barcelona will serve as the final destination, with visits to La Sagrada Familia, Olympic Stadium and FC Barcelona Stadium included on the schedule. The overseas trip is the first for the program since the team also visited Spain in May 2009. The Scarlet Knights previously travelled abroad to Chile in August 2000.