James Harden will play host to San Jacinto College when he and the rest of the Houston Rockets face the Boston Celtics Nov. 19 at Toyota Center.

Night at the Rockets, an event organized by Campus Recreation (Rec), offers students and faculty, along with their friends and families, end zone tickets at discounted prices.

Physical Education Professor Mary Shelley said she got the idea to contact the Rockets from a meeting with San Jac’s Social Media Coordinator Scylla Lopez. She started putting the project into motion several months ago.

“I worked with the Rockets this summer to organize our SJC Campus Rec Night at the Houston Rockets,” Shelley said.

Campus Rec has established relationships with the Astros and Dynamo, but wanted to make a connection with the Rockets, Shelley said.

Hannah Hoffman, a Campus Rec student assistant, said the event is sure to garner a lot of participation.

“Who wouldn’t want cheap tickets to go see James Harden? He is amazing,” Hoffman said.

Meanwhile, students learning of the event from campus bulletin boards are quickly passing the news along to others by word-of-mouth.

Student Sarah Ukwuach said, “I didn’t know about this until now. I definitely will be asking my friends and family to go.”

Similarly, fellow student Jonathon Jones said he was surprised to find out the College was planning this kind of activity.

“I love the Houston Rockets. I didn’t think Campus Rec did these types of events. If I could, I would go to every game, but it gets expensive. So, this helps a lot,” Jones said.

Student Katie Rosinke said her boyfriend loves the Houston Rockets and cannot wait to surprise him.

“When I saw this flyer, I knew I had to get those tickets for my boyfriend. I also told quite a few of my friends who are fans of Dwight Howard,” Rosinke said.

Brianna Franco, also a San Jac student, said once she found out about the event, she immediately made plans to attend.

“I bought my tickets as soon as I saw the flyer. I had never been and always wanted to go. So, my friends and I will be there,” Franco said.

Student Nicholas Oyer said he plays basketball all the time and cannot get enough of James Harden.

“I can’t wait for this game because I got all my friends together, and we never miss a home game. Fear the beard!” Oyer said.

Shelley said she absolutely loves being a part of the Campus Rec team, especially getting students together. She said she also understands their financial limitations.

“The reduced ticket prices should help students be able to attend the game,” Shelley said.

She said events like these generate campus involvement, so Campus Rec is working on hosting another Night at the Rockets during the spring.

“Campus Rec is growing and expanding both on campus and in the community,” Shelley said. “So, this is another way we can be involved.”