Bandit Lites Donates Full Production Support for Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Bandit Lites donated complete production support for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held June 27 at the historic Tennessee Theatre, helping celebrate the accomplishments and lasting impact of some of the sport’s most influential figures.
The annual ceremony welcomed the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, highlighted by the induction of University of Tennessee legend Candace Parker. The evening honored Parker’s remarkable career while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt, whose influence was woven throughout the celebration.
Parker’s induction speech reflected on the mentors, family and coaches who shaped her journey, including an emotional tribute to her mother and a heartfelt acknowledgment of Summitt’s lasting impact.
Parker’s speech began with a Voltaire quote: “Originality is nothing but judicious imitation.” “Nobody actually becomes or creates in a vacuum, right?” Parker said. “Every great athlete, musician, business person, or artist – they have influences … It’s not blind copying, it’s discerning imitation. You study your influences closely enough to know what it takes and what you want to take from that.”
Wearing an outfit inspired by one of Summitt’s signature orange-and-white sideline suits, Parker spoke about carrying forward the lessons, standards and leadership that defined her Hall of Fame coach. The coach whose influence on Parker can’t be quantified in words, but by the way she lives her life and carries Summitt’s spirit on. It was a metaphor for the lessons from Summitt that Parker has made her own, tailoring them to her own journey, like the suit.
“Since (Summitt) would be the first to tell you that I was not the best listener … this is a tangible expression that I was watching and I was indeed paying attention, even if I liked to test boundaries a little bit and I’m stubborn and hardheaded,” Parker said. “But my continued desire to imitate Pat, and how she attacked life every day, proves why there is nobody like her.”
Bandit Lites provided the lighting, audio, video and staging support that helped bring the ceremony to life for attendees at the Tennessee Theatre.
Bandit Lites Founder and Chair Michael T. Strickland, who also serves as President and Chairman of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Directors, said supporting the event reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to honoring excellence and investing in the future of the industry and community.
“As President and Chairman of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Directors, I was honored to donate all of the production support for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” said Strickland. “We are proud to help shine a light on the athletes, coaches, and pioneers who continue to inspire future generations.”
For decades, Bandit Lites has partnered with organizations across sports, entertainment and the arts to deliver world-class production while supporting events that celebrate achievement, preserve history and inspire audiences. The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony continues that tradition, recognizing the individuals whose contributions have shaped the game and paved the way for generations to come.
