Tennessee basketball fans — men's and women's — are invited to tune in or drop by for lunch.

Saturday marks the season debut of "The Bruce Pearl Show" and "The Pat Summitt Show" on statewide television.

Wednesday is the opening meeting of the Big Orange Tipoff Club, a weekly 11:30 a.m. luncheon at Calhoun's on the River dedicated to UT basketball.

Pearl's TV show will air at 1 p.m. Saturdays on WBIR in the Knoxville market, followed by Summitt's show at 1:30.

However, a scheduling conflict dictated moving Saturday's debut to noon for Pearl and 12:30 for Summitt.

"Bruce is wide open and eager to make it bigger and better,'' said Steve Early of Host Communications.

"He just gives you so much insight into why they do what they do.''

One segment of Saturday's show will feature a practice in which Pearl wears a microphone.

A new angle this year, Pearl brings a player with him to the studio. C.J. Watson appears on Saturday's show.

The Big Orange Tipoff Club hopes to capitalize on the renewed interest in men's basketball since Pearl arrived.

"It's hard not to get excited with the Lady Vols ranked No. 1, and Bruce has brought an awful lot of passion to the men,'' said Lloyd Richardson, a member of the steering committee.

The list of speakers: John Ward (Jan. 11); Pearl (Jan. 19, a Thursday); Jennifer Azzi (Jan. 25); Don DeVoe (Feb. 1); Summitt (Feb. 8); former Auburn coach Sonny Smith (Feb. 15); Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News (Feb. 22).

The March 1 speaker has yet to be announced.

The meal is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

Membership is $60, but Knoxville Quarterback Club members and UT men's and women's letter-winners can join for half price.

Wednesday's meeting will recognize former members of the old Orange Tie Club.