Announcement of National Recording Artist Performance, Expanded Free FanFest and Increased Excitement Begins With Banner Unfurling and Tickets On-Sale Today

Springfield, MA - The Championship Committee of Greater Springfield today unveiled a series of exciting new initiatives for the 2008 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship, highlighted by a performance by the national recording group The Last Goodnight, currently ranked in Billboard’s Top 10 for their hit single “Pictures of You”. In addition, 2008 will feature a free and expanded FanFest at the MassMutual Center, Championship-week events at various downtown businesses, an All-Star game, youth clinic and more. American International College will again serve as the host institution for the Championship, with quarterfinal games, semifinal games and the title game being played at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield on March 26, 27 and 29th.

Committee officials, Springfield Mayor Dom Sarno and the AIC basketball team were on hand for the announcement and the unfurling of a giant banner celebrating the Championship which will hang on the exterior of the MassMutual Center.

“It’s a great event for the City of Springfield and the entire region,” stated Mark Morris, Chairman of the Championship Committee. “Our goal from day one was to establish Springfield as a Championship City and continually grow the Championship for the benefit of the teams, fans and the region. The addition of a live musical act, increased downtown activities and an exciting FanFest event will certainly help propel the 2008 event to new heights, and will position us well to succeed in 2009 and beyond as well.”

The Last Goodnight, featuring band members from nearby Enfield, CT, will perform immediately following the Championship game set for Saturday, March 29th at 1:00 pm. They will play a number of songs from their current album and their performance will be included in the regular Championship game ticket price of $16 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets for all game sessions are on-sale now at the MassMutual Center Box Office and all ticketmaster locations.

The event, being hosted by Springfield for the third straight year, has been an undeniable economic and cultural success for the region, with over 1,500 booked hotel rooms, 15,000 visitors and in excess of $1,000,000 in economic impact resulting annually. The event’s success has led to Senator Stephen Buoniconti and a legislative delegation from the region securing grant funding to support the success and growth of the Championship.

2008 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship Schedule of Events Wednesday, March 26th
Quarterfinal Sessions, 12 noon and 6 pm
MassMutual Center

Thursday, March 27th
Semi-Final Session, 6 PM
MassMutual Center

Friday, March 28th
NABC All-Star Game and Youth Clinic
Basketball Hall of Fame

Saturday, March 29th
Championship pre-game FANFEST – FREE!!
MassMutual Center 11 am – 2:30 pm

NCAA DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
2:30 PM – MassMutual Center

Post-Game Concert
Featuring THE LAST GOODNIGHT
Immediately following Championship Game
MassMutual Center