EAST LANSING, MI (AP) --

EAST LANSING -- A pep rally for the Final Four-bound Michigan State men's basketball team will be Friday at the North Grand Court of Somerset Mall in Troy from 5:30-7 p.m. The event will be hosted by the MSU Alumni Association and admission is free. Fans wearing MSU apparel will receive free hot dogs and ice cream.

Contrary to previous reports, there will not be a rally at Comerica Park before Saturday's 6:07 p.m. national semifinal between MSU and Connecticut, athletic department spokesman John Lewandowski said this afternoon. Athletic director Mark Hollis said earlier in the week that holding a fan function at Comerica was something planners were considering, but plans weren't final. However, Lewandowski said the plans were scrapped when it was felt a second pep rally would be a duplication of Friday's event.

The Somerset Mall is located at 2800 W. Big Beaver Road. Coach Tom Izzo will make an appearance along with the Spartan Brass band and the MSU cheerleaders and dance team, and Sparty, the mascot.

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