March 21 , 2008

2008 Elite Eight Fast Approaching

City Proclamation; Open Practice Tuesday     

   Kearney, Neb. –  Nebraska-Kearney and the City of Kearney are getting ready for the 2008 Elite Eight, held next week in the Health & Sports Center.

      The eight teams will start arriving Sunday and Monday and then each club will have a one hour practice -- open to the public and media -- on Tuesday. The practices will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

      Last week, the City of Kearney was proclaimed as "The Home of the 2008 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Elite Eight."

      The City of Kearney Proclamation was signed by Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse and cites UNK's success in hosting past championships and how much the City looks forward welcoming all eight teams and NCAA personnel to Kearney.

      Also on Tuesday (March 25th), elementary schools in the area will be visited by each Elite Eight team. Part of an NCAA outreach program, these fifth grade students have been learning about character development and sportsmanship from UNK student-athletes.

      They also have been learning about one of Division II's eight geographic regions and will be cheering on their team throughout the tournament.

     Finally, tournament passes are currently on sale. They are $ 35.00 for adults and $ 25.00 for students and seniors (ages 60 plus). For those who buy passes soon, a special NCAA commemorative gift is still available.

     Single session tickets will not go on sale until the day of the tournament. All seats are general admission.