TicketsMay 25, 2012
CINCINNATI - The 1200 Club, in conjunction with UCATS, held its second annual Blue Jean Ball Thursday, hosted by head football coach Butch Jones and his wife Barb.
The event featured a social hour, catered dinner, silent auction and a chance to get to know Coach Jones, Director of Athletics Whit Babcock, UC coaches and staff. UC radio analyst Jim Kelly Jr. provided the entertainment with his acoustic duo Firelight.
Coach Jones launched the program in February 2010, which consists of donors contributing $1,200 annually.
A Coaches Circle level has recently been implemented for donors of $12,000 of more and currently has nine members.
Club benefits include 1200 Club apparel, member-only communications, pregame sideline passes for a Bearcats home game, and invitations to exclusive member-only events with Bearcats players and staff like signing day morning and evening events, the teams "Night of Champions" off-season competition, 1200 Club Day at Camp Higher Ground and more.
The mission of the 1200 Club is to provide the non-budgeted financial support that allows Coach Jones to pursue the ongoing needs of facilitating a nationally competitive program.
Some of the program contributions since the clubs inception in February of 2010 include: a graphics projects throughout the football office and meeting areas, academic recognition wall, locker room upgrades, head coach office remodel and equipment for position meeting rooms.
Two of the major projects have included the addition of the fuel station and the building of the Dr. Robert S. Heidt Family Players' Lounge.
The lounge includes six flat screen televisions, Xbox and Playstation systems, couches, computers, pool table, juke box, arcade games and a shuffle board table.
1200 Club monies also supplement the recruiting budget with funds going towards travel expenses and a recently purchased 10-passenger golf cart
"The members truly see the difference they're making," Keith Pantling, 1200 Club Administrator said. "Coach Jones is committed to spending 1200 Club funds on equipment and facility upgrades that the membership can observe and be proud of."
To learn more about the in 1200 Club or to become of member of the Bearcats Football Family today, visit UCATS.net or contact the 1200 Club by phone at 513-556-0597 or by calling the UCATS office at 1-800-55-UCATS.