The Saint Francis University basketball program leaves for its foreign tour on Thursday and will arrive in Rome on the night of Aug. 2. The team will spend three days in Rome, two in Florence, two in Venice and two at Lake Como over its 10-day stay in Italy.
While in Rome, the Red Flash are scheduled to take tours of the Colosseum, Ancient Roman Forum, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, San Pietro in Vincoli, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Pantheon. Their time in Rome will end on the evening of Aug. 5 as SFU plays its first exhibition game vs. Rome All-Stars.
SFU’s two-day stay in Florence will allow them to see the St. Francis of Assisi Basilica, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Gates of Paradise, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Church of Sante Croce. Saint Francis will play its second exhibition on the evening of Aug. 7 vs. the Pisa All-Stars.
Saint Francis continues to the Venice Region from Aug. 8 – Aug. 9. There, they will visit the Ferrari Museum, St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, Basilica and Grand Central.
The trip will end in Lake Como where SFU will play the Netherlands National “B” Team on Aug. 10. On Aug. 11, the team will explore Lake Como and visit the Bellagio before returning to the United States on Aug. 12.
In addition to the educational and religious benefits of the trip, SFU will be able to come together as a team and integrate the five newcomers into game action.
The Red Flash will have to adapt to FIBA rules, which includes using a different ball, a longer three-point line and a wider key.
Red Flash fans can follow the trip on instagram and twitter @RedFlashMBB as we will provide live content of all events with game recaps and highlights following the three exhibition games.