University of Houston Athletics
UH To Host Gridiron Celebrity Hoops VI At Hofheinz Pavilion
Jan. 22, 2004
Jam Sports & Entertainment announced today that Grammy Award winning R&B artist R. Kelly, platinum artists, Raz-B, J-Boog, and Lil-Fizz of the R&B/hip-hop super-group B2K will join an impressive line-up of celebrities participating in Game Day Gridiron Celebrity Hoops VI, an officially sanctioned event of the National Football League for Super Bowl XXXVII. The celebrity basketball game will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 3 p.m. in the University of Houston's state-of-the-art Hofheinz Pavilion.
Roc-a-fella Records new recording artist and veteran producer, Kanye West, who has written such hits as "You Don?t Know My Name" song by Alicia Keys, and "Stand-Up" performed by Ludacris, will be the event?s half-time performer. West recently made his singing debut from his much anticipated solo album, "The College Dropout" with his single topping the charts, "Through the Wire." He is also featured on "Slow Jamz" with Twista and Jamie Foxx.
The reigning Miss Black America along with numerous NFL players including Terrell Owens (San Francisco 49ers), Antwaan Randle El (Pittsburg Steelers), Phillip Buchanon (Oakland Raiders), Damien Robinson (Seattle Seahawks), Shaun Rogers (Detroit Lions), Lawyer Milloy (Buffalo Bills) Roy Williams (Dallas Cowboys) and many others, will be available to greet fans, sign autographs and take pictures.
"I come out every year to support Game Day Gridiron Celebrity Hoops, sign autographs, and pose for pictures with the fans," says Terrell Owens, Pro-Bowler from the San Francisco 49ers.
This event is rated fun! Game Day Gridiron Celebrity Hoops VI is an event for the whole family and features NFL players and celebrities participating in a pre-game autograph signing for VIP ticket holders, a half-time performance, interactive games, and opportunities to win NFL and Super Bowl XXXVIII merchandise. This electric interactive event will conclude with a band "drumline" competition showcasing Houston-area high school talents. The winning band will receive championship trophies and win $1,000 for their school band uniforms.
Juli M. Wyatt, President of Jam Sports & Entertainment expresses, "We are extremely excited about our well-rounded line-up of celebrities and activities. We have something for football fans of all ages. Jam Sports & Entertainment wants to make this event exciting for the community of Houston and the Super Bowl fans traveling from out of town for this big weekend."
From 2:00 -- 3:30 p.m., youths can take pictures and meet and greet Nick Jr. cartoons SpongeBob SquarePants, Bob the Builder and Dora the Explorer.
Celebrity participants of Game Day Gridiron Celebrity hoops include: Houston natives Isaiah Washington (who most recently co-starred in Hollywood Homicide alongside Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnick and is perhaps best known for his roles in Love Jones and Romeo Must Die); Zina Garrison (Former tennis pro and Olympic Gold Medalist); Mathew Knowles (President of Music World Entertainment, manager of Grammy Award winning Destiny?s Child and father to superstars Beyonc? and Solange Knowles); and platinum recording artists UGK.
The all-star roster also includes Big Tigger (BET's top-rated Rap City: Tha Bassment, host of Miami?s new 103.5 FM "The Beat" and "Live in the Den with Big Tigger"), Junior Middleweight Professional Boxer, Tre "Baby Boy" Whitfield and World Wrestling Entertainment's Mark Jindrak and tag-team partner Garrison Cade.
Doors to the University of Houston, Hofheinz Pavilion will open at 2:00 p.m. and tip-off is at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25, $45 or $150 in advance, and $35, $55, and $175 on event day. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.gamedaycelebrityhoops.com, by calling Jam Sports & Entertainment at (301) 627-2706 or by visiting the University of Houston, Athletic Ticket office, 3100 Cullen Blvd., First Floor, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
A percentage of the proceeds from Game Day Gridiron Celebrity Hoops VI will benefit the Junior Achievers Motivated to Succeed (JAMS) Foundation and local Houston charities whose mission is to enrich the quality of life of abused, abandoned and neglected children in the foster care system.
Reebok, Avirex, Upper Deck, Americana Couture, i10 Media and Houston Style Magazine are among the corporate sponsors of this thrilling event.
Game Day Gridiron Celebrity Hoops is produced annually by Jam Sports & Entertainment, a premier Maryland-based sports marketing and event production firm.
For additional information or press credentials please e-mail timia@jamsport.com or call Timia Moore at (301) 627-3706. Visit http://www.gamedaycelebrityhoops.com for up-to-date ticket and event information.