For more information, contact:
Rick Nixon
NCAA Associate Director for the Division I
Women’s Basketball Championship
317/917-6539
rnixon@ncaa.org
Brent Shulman
Communications Manager
St. Louis Sports Commission
314/992-0684
bshulman@stlsports.org

NCAA® WOMEN'S FINAL FOUR® TIPS OFF IN ST. LOUIS TWO MONTHS FROM TODAY

ST. LOUISANS CAN REGISTER NOW TO BE PART OF ANCILLARY EVENTS; SEVERAL ARE FREE

4KAY RUN WILL HONOR LEGACY OF THE LATE KAY YOW

ST. LOUIS – Feb. 5, 2009 – Two months from today, St. Louis will again take center stage as host of a major national sporting event – this time the pinnacle of women’s college basketball. The 2009 NCAA® Women’s Final Four® takes place at Scottrade Center April 5 and 7. Starting the day before and continuing throughout the weekend, St. Louisans will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of the championship, even if they don’t have tickets to the sold-out games. Area residents can register now to be part of Women’s Final Four ancillary fan events – several of which are free. To sign up, visit www.NCAA.com/finalfour.

Here are the activities people of all ages can enjoy during the Women’s Final Four weekend in St. Louis:

• 4Kay Run Presented by The Hartford®: “Super Saturday,” April 4, begins at 8 a.m. with the 4Kay Run Presented by The Hartford®. The run honors Kay Yow, the legendary North Carolina State University head coach who recently succumbed to breast cancer. Participants will help in the battle against breast cancer as proceeds benefit cancer research through the Kay Yow / WBCA Cancer Fund. The event starts on Memorial Drive and concludes at the overlook stage on Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard beneath the Gateway Arch. Walkers are also encouraged to participate, and all registrants will receive a 4Kay Run t-shirt. Registration is $20 in advance; $25 the day of the event. Register online at www.NCAA.com/finalfour.

• YES® Clinics hydrated by vitaminwater® revive: Children ages 10 to 16 can sign up for one of three free NCAA® Youth Education through Sports (YES®) Clinics taking place in the region. Boys and girls will have the opportunity to learn and enhance their sports skills, conditioning skills, and life skills with collegiate coaches and student-athletes in town for the Women’s Final Four. Clinics take place from 8 a.m. to noon on April 4 at UMSL, Saint Louis University, and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Boys & Girls Club. Register online at www.NCAA.com/finalfour.

• March to the Arch Fueled by POWERade®: Created at the 2001 Women’s Final Four in St. Louis, the March to the Arch concept is now part of every Men’s and Women’s Final Four. Dribblers between the ages of 6 and 16 will receive a free t-shirt and basketball (subject to availability). Fans of all ages are encouraged to participate by bringing their own basketball. The march gets under way at 12:30 p.m. on April 4 at St. Louis Union Station. Participants will march down Market Street to Kiener Plaza. Register online at www.NCAA.com/finalfour. Participation is free.

• NCAA Hoop City Refreshed by Coca-Cola®: Hoop City features interactive games and exhibits hosted by the NCAA’s family of corporate champions and partners. In addition, the POWERade® 3 on 3 Hoop City Basketball Festival, an amateur basketball tournament, will also be held. Admission is free. Hoop City will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday (April 4-6) at America’s Center.

• WBCA High School All-America Game presented by NIKE: Fans can see the stars of tomorrow play at 4:30 p.m. on April 4 at the Washington University Field House. For more information, visit www.WBCA.org.

In addition to these events, the public is invited to attend the free open practices and autograph sessions on April 4 at Scottrade Center featuring the Women’s Final Four teams. Activities go from noon to 4 p.m.

WOMEN’S FINAL FOUR “SUPER SATURDAY” (APRIL 4) AT A GLANCE:

8 a.m. 4Kay Run Presented by The Hartford® at the Gateway Arch
8 a.m. – noon YES® Clinics hydrated by vitaminwater® revive at various sites
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. NCAA Hoop City Refreshed by Coca-Cola® at America’s Center
Noon – 4 p.m. Open Practice and Team Autograph Sessions at Scottrade Center
12:30 p.m. March to the Arch Fueled by POWERade® at St. Louis Union Station
4:30 p.m. WBCA High School All-America Game presented by Nike at Washington Univ.

VOLUNTEERS:

Beyond participating in the ancillary fan events, local residents can get involved in the 2009 Women’s Final Four as volunteers. While many positions have been filled, the St. Louis Organizing Committee is still seeking volunteers to help in a variety of roles. To register as a volunteer, visit www.NCAA.com/finalfour and click on the volunteer link. For more information, call 314/992-0623 or e-mail wffvolunteers09@stlsports.org.

-SLOC-