DAYTON, Ohio – – February 20, 2014 – – Momentum continues to build for The Big Hoopla as the Local Organizing Committee announced that Former Flyer standout, Brian Robert’s has signed on with support for the Hoopla Ticket Program. Roberts, currently a point guard for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, pledged his support for efforts in Dayton, Ohio surrounding the First Four and the NCAA Tournament.
“I would like to personally thank Brian and his family for their generous contribution,” said JP Nauseef, Local Organizing Committee Chairman. “Brian exemplifies all of the positive attributes about this community we hope to share through The Big Hoopla and the NCAA Tournament: he has achieved success at the highest level of his profession; he’s remained committed to his community and he shares his success with others, in this case, by supporting tickets for students and Airmen through the Hoopla Ticket Program.”
“Having grown up in Ohio, I know how important hosting the NCAA Tournament is to the Dayton Region and the State of Ohio,” said Brian Roberts, University of Dayton Class of 2008. “My wife and I are excited to give back and support the Hoopla Ticket Program.”
Roberts support marks the second NBA player in one-week to sign-on to the Hoopla Ticket Program.
In its third year, the Hoopla Ticket Program provides NCAA Tournament tickets free-of-charge to local students and United States military heroes serving locally at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the State of Ohio’s largest single-site employer. Information on the Hoopla Ticket Program can be found at daytonhoopla.com/tickets.
“Along with the most passionate fans in America, the momentum the Big Hoopla is currently enjoying would not have been possible without leadership and support from sponsors like Montgomery County and Dayton Power and Light who paved the way for the success we are seeing today,” continued Nauseef.
“Providing these tickets to military and students allows them a chance to experience what I did for four years – the energy and excitement of America’s most passionate college basketball fans,” continued Roberts. “I saw last year’s photo with the uniformed servicemen from the Air Force presenting a large American flag before the 2013 NCAA First Four games – what a great tribute to these individuals who serve our great country.”
“We hope more individuals and organizations will join Brian in supporting Airmen from Wright-Patt and students from across the Dayton Region,” continued Nauseef. “With only a few weeks until the Madness tips off, now is the time. Interested parties should contact Matt Farrell on the Local Organizing Committee at mfarrell@daytonhoopla.com.”
“As I have said before, playing in front of 13,000 fans every night was a highlight of my four years as a Dayton Flyer. The atmosphere and support at UD Arena makes it one of the premier venues in all of college basketball. The work of the Local Organizing Committee and The Big Hoopla effort makes Dayton the perfect NCAA Tournament site,” concluded Roberts.
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