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NCAA News Release

NCAA's Big Dance� Takes The Stage, Then Hits The Hardwood Musical Acts, World's Largest Pep Rally Help Showcase Men's Final Four Games

For Immediate Release

Friday, March 17, 2006
Contact(s)

Cherie Green
Director of Media Relations Creative Presence Partners
513/404-3528

NCAA Public and Media Relations
317/917-6117

INDIANAPOLIS---Before the competition tips off at the RCA Dome between the NCAA Men's Final Four teams, there promises to be almost as much action at nearby Monument Circle in Indianapolis.

Just hours before the opening game of the 2006 Men's Final Four on Saturday, April 1, NCAA basketball fans also will have the chance to participate in The Big Dance at Monument Circle. Featuring the musical acts of the BoDeans, Hoobastank, Indianapolis' own Virgin Millionaires and country music singer Steve Holy, the Monument Circle gates will open at 11 a.m. Eastern for The Big Dance, a free all-day concert and festive celebration hosted by special guest star Nick Lachey.

The performers will entertain the fans until approximately 3 p.m., when the World's Largest Pep Rally kicks off to great fanfare. Cheerleaders, pep bands, mascots and special guests will rally the crowd prior to game time. The first game of the 2006 NCAA Men's Final Four tips off at 6:07 p.m. Eastern at the RCA Dome, located only blocks away from Monument Circle and all The Big Dance activities. All events, including the semifinal and championship games, will be transmitted on 11 video panels strategically placed around the Monument Circle area. CBS affiliate WISH-TV in Indianapolis will provide the broadcast feed for the games.

Several ceremonial activities, commemorating the NCAA's year-long Centennial Celebration of the student-athlete that began in January 2006 and paying tribute to our nation's armed forces who are honored at the Circle's War Memorial, also will take place throughout the day. Emmis Communications, an important local radio partner located on Monument Circle, will use its local radio stations to broadcast the activities live to its listeners.

"The Big Dance creates an additional fan experience during Men's Final Four weekend for all local and out-of-town NCAA basketball fans that complements CBS Sports' popular Hoop City interactive event at the Indiana Convention Center," said Greg Shaheen, the NCAA's vice president of Division I men's basketball and championship strategies. "For the avid NCAA basketball fan and to welcome those new to the NCAA, this event brings the Men's Final Four and the NCAA to life in a way that all can appreciate. After fans enjoy the friendly and engaging confines of Hoop City, they can relax and enjoy the excitement of a new celebration that the NCAA has created with its Corporate Champions, Corporate Partners, CBS and many local Indianapolis entities."

While the concert and all Circle activities are free, for safety reasons, fans are not allowed to bring in coolers, chairs or blankets to Monument Circle. Given the convenient downtown location for the event, concessions will be available.

[NOTE: NCAA, Final Four, The Big Dance and Hoop City are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.]


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