CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The stage is set in Birmingham where the Islander Men's Basketball team is set to face number one Alabama.
This, after getting their first ever NCAA Tournament win Tuesday night.
Social media was on fire following the big victory for the Islanders. TAMU-CC Vice President of Enrollment Andy Benoit said that ever since the Islander's big win -- the university has received plenty of recognition.
"Believe me I have friends all over the country, and there is stuff coming in today about 'Y'all are on your own island?' Yes absolutely, it is a unique place," he said.
Benoit said that the Islander's latest win will put the region on the map.
"It brings a lot of attention nationally to the institution, it lets people know the quality of the athletic program we have, but also about the strength in our academic programs when people see Texas A&M Corpus Christi," he said. "It will dispels myths, we are not a community college we are on our own island, a place where lots of great things are happening."
While those in the Coastal Bend already know what kind of gem the Island University is -- the fresh eyes could also lead to future enrollment.
This spring semester, the university had just over 10,900 students enrolled. Applications for the fall are already looking strong.
"Helps people think about, that might be a cool place, drives them to the internet and they start looking about the university. Might lead them to want to take a tour of that place or apply to go to school there," he said.
District 4 Councilmember Dan Suckley said it's a great thing to see the community rally around the home team.
"The community support has swelled and it is awesome to see," he said.
Suckley is also an alumni of the Island University and said that he's excited to see the notoriety being generated for the city.
"Probably with the biggest thing the number of people out there who didn't know where Corpus Christi was, hopefully a lot of people will come here and visit here and add to our economy," he said.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- US Marshal Service joins hunt for escaped inmate in Jim Wells Co., offers $5,000 reward
- Sidelined Murdix makes trip to Dayton as Islanders take on SE Missouri State
- Coastal Bend sees higher-than-expected turnout for Spring Break
- CCPD arrest man who hit a police car after being found asleep in his car twice
- Her new Reality: 3NEWS speaks with ex-NSA whistleblower about her decision to leak documents
- State's rent-relief program re-opens to help residents until March 28
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.