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For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-992-0684
bshulman@stlsports.org
ST. LOUIS READY TO REVEL IN EXCITEMENT OF
ILLINOIS-MISSOURI STATE FARM ARCH RIVALRY
FAN ACTIVITIES KICK OFF FRIDAY ON LACLEDE’S LANDING
ST. LOUIS – Aug. 26, 2008 – It will be a weekend like no other in St. Louis. Two of the region’s favorite college football teams – both ranked in the top 20 – collide in a sold-out primetime showdown at the Edward Jones Dome on Saturday. Surrounding the game, a whole host of activities will take place, bringing a bowl-like electricity – and all the flavor and excitement of big-time college football – to Downtown St. Louis.
More than 66,000 fans will fill the Dome when Illinois and Missouri kick off the season at 7:30 p.m. in the State Farm Arch Rivalry. The Fighting Illini are ranked No. 20 in the Associated Press preseason poll; the Tigers are No. 6. The game is one of only two matchups this weekend featuring two ranked teams. ESPN will televise the game nationally.
With the stars aligned, it took only a matter of minutes for tickets to sell out when they went on sale in July. In the second year of the Arch Rivalry series, the game has become one of the most anticipated sporting events in St. Louis.
That anticipation culminates Friday night when Illinois and Mizzou fans roll into town and Arch Rivalry festivities begin. The hub for activity that evening will be Laclede’s Landing. The entertainment district is partnering with the game’s organizers to host “Bud Light Arch Revelry on the Landing” from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. The place to be for Illini and Tiger fans, the Landing will feature a battle of the university pep bands, live music by Robert Randolph & The Family Band, and the BP Invigoration Station – an interactive area that all fans can experience.
On Saturday, pregame activities get underway 7 ½ hours before kickoff. Starting at noon, fans can enjoy live music at the Bud Light Tailgate Party in Baer Plaza (immediately east of the Edward Jones Dome) and interactive games on Convention Plaza (south of the Dome). As the day builds, several other events will fill fans’ plates and their tailgating appetites.
The complete schedule of events surrounding the 2008 State Farm Arch Rivalry follows. For more information on the game, its affiliated activities, directions and parking details, visit www.statefarmarchrivalry.com. Fans needing assistance reserving hotel rooms for the Arch Rivalry weekend can call the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission at 800-916-8937 or log on to www.explorestlouis.com. St. Louis visitor information is also available at that web address.
The Arch Rivalry series continues in St. Louis on Sept. 5, 2009 and Sept. 4, 2010.
STATE FARM ARCH RIVALRY WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 29
Bud Light Arch Revelry on the Landing
5:30 p.m. to Midnight – Laclede’s Landing
Featured events include:
- “Battle of the Bands” with the Illinois and Missouri pep bands performing at 8 p.m. at Second and Morgan streets.
- Music by Robert Randolph & The Family Band, which performs on the Big Muddy Main Stage near First Street at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Arch Rivalry Youth Football Clinic
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Edward Jones Dome
500 area kids ages 10-14 will participate in a free clinic taught by former Illinois and Mizzou players on the turf at the Edward Jones Dome. Participants will learn fundamentals and important character building lessons.
Bud Light Tailgate Party
Noon to Kickoff – Baer Plaza and Convention Plaza
Live music in Baer Plaza and fun for all ages on Convention Plaza. The band Dr. Zhivegas headlines the music lineup and performs in Baer Plaza at 4 p.m. The Marching Illini and Marching Mizzou make appearances between 5 and 6 p.m.
Illinois Headquarters
3 to 7 p.m. – Broadway and Convention Plaza
Hosted by the University of Illinois Alumni Association.
Mizzou Headquarters
3 p.m. to Kickoff – Sixth and Convention Plaza
Hosted by the Mizzou Alumni Association.
Dish Network Watch Party
7:30 p.m. – Baer Plaza
Fans without tickets to the game can catch the action on the big screen in Baer Plaza.
2008 Illinois vs. Missouri State Farm Arch Rivalry
7:30 p.m. – Edward Jones Dome
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Big Muddy Blues Festival
3 to 11:30 p.m. – Laclede’s Landing
The St. Louis Sports Commission is the privately funded nonprofit organization that benefits St. Louis through sports.
Its mission is to make the St. Louis region a better place to live, visit, work and play through sports.
- www.stlsports.org -
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