TicketsNov. 29, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio--The University of Cincinnati and Xavier University athletic departments today announce the "Sell out the Shootout" campaign for this season's XU vs. UC Skyline Chili Women's Crosstown Shootout, Presented by Fifth Third, on Wednesday, January 17 at 7 p.m. at Fifth Third Arena.
Xavier and UC are joining in the effort to draw a capacity crowd of 13,176 for the annual rivalry between the cross-town Division I schools. If the game is sold out, it will be the largest crowd for a women's regular season college basketball game in Ohio history. Presenting sponsor for the game is Fifth Third Bank. Other sponsors include the Clement and Ann Buenger Foundation, Total Quality Logistics, Skyline Chili, the Enquirer, WCPO-TV, Reach Magazine, Sunrise Advertising, and the Duke Energy Foundation.
"Fifth Third is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this event," said Robert A. Sullivan, president & CEO, Fifth Third Bank (Cincinnati). "We encourage all to attend this game to celebrate women's sports and the long-term value of participating in athletics."
The game also will pay tribute to former women student-athletes from both schools during halftime. Current student athletes from all sports will be available for a `meet and greet' session before the game as well.
Former U.C. swimmer Bill Keating and local girls' advocacy group, the Harmony Project, have led the effort in raising funds to purchase tickets, which will be donated to local youth and non-profit organizations. Students and non-profits interested in attending the event can contact Most Valuable Kids at www.mostvaluablekids.org to receive donated tickets.
"We already have a terrific fan base in Cincinnati for women's basketball," said UC women's basketball coach Laurie Pirtle. "This event will bring awareness for both programs to a new level."
"We look forward to playing in front of a capacity crowd," said Kevin McGuff, Xavier women's basketball coach. "Playing our crosstown rivals is always a challenge, and the atmosphere of a full house will make this game a special one."
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets to the game now are available at both schools' box offices and cost $5 for adults, $3 for youth 12 and under and $2 for groups of 10 or more. UC and XU students receive free admission with student ID. For more information call the UC Tickets Office at 513-556-CATS or 1-877-CATS-TIX, or go to the schools' web sites, www.gobearcats.com or www.goxavier.com.