TicketsJan. 10, 2007
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The 2007 Skyline Chili Women's Crosstown Shootout, presented by Fifth Third, which is set for Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Fifth Third Arena, is sold out. This year's annual rivalry game pitting against Xavier is expected to draw the largest crowd for a regular-season women's college basketball game in history.
Former UC 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.
Keating appeared on 700-WLW's The Big Show with Bill Cunningham this afternoon and sold the final two tickets to Mr. Cunningham himself.
"Selling out this game is a great example of what can happen when a community rallies around a special event," UC Director of Athletics Mike Thomas said. "There is no reason why this game cannot be a major event year in and year out. I am excited about seeing the biggest crowd in the history of UC women's basketball in Fifth Third Arena next week!"
Approximately 1,000 student tickets remain available for both and Xavier students, free with a valid ID. The student tickets will be available on a first come-first serve basis at the gate.
"The commitment that has been made by our administration and some outside folks to push this game to sell-out level is really impressive. I'm really excited to be here and experience this after being here for 20 years," said UC head coach Laurie Pirtle. "At one time we only had parents at the games. To have people really care is very cool. The game has come so far."
The 2006-07 season has seen the largest influx of marketing for women's basketball in UC history. The "CATWOMENDO" theme has been spread throughout the Tri-State on radio, television and billboards, and via the "Bearcat Caravan" which made its debut last summer at more than 40 local events.
"Special thanks go out to Bill Keating, Game Day Communications, and the marketing staffs at both UC and XU for the hard work they have put in to make this a special sporting event here in Cincinnati," noted Thomas.
Special promotions for the 2007 Skyline Chili Women's Crosstown Shootout include complimentary lanyards for the first 5,000 fans in the door and a complimentary Crosstown Shootout poster for the first 2,500. Former UC and XU female student-athlete will be recognized at halftime.
"People are going to come here and like how we play the game and they're going to want to come back," added Pirtle.
hosts national power on Jan. 30 in Fifth Third Arena. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under and groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for $2 each. Call 1-877-CATS-TIX or log on to GoBEARCATS.com for more information.