First-Ever Live Sporting Event Telethon To Air With Tulane-Mississippi State Football Game
Former Senator Bill Bradley Joins CSTV's 'Big Game For The Big Easy.'
Sept. 12, 2005
100% of Proceeds To Be Donated To Rebuilding Efforts
Game To Be Played in Shreveport's Independence Bowl
CSTV Crystal Ball Preview
NEW YORK - In a tremendous show of spirit and morale, the football team of New Orleans' Tulane University will play for the first time this season - after its opener at Southern Miss on September 4 was postponed until November -- against Mississippi State on September 17. CSTV: College Sports Television will broadcast the game as part of a special telethon to raise funds for the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Being called "Big Game for the Big Easy," this is the first telethon based around a live sporting event, with specially produced features and entertainment elements designed to share stories of the hope and rebirth of the region, as well as the game on the field.
Former U.S. Senator and basketball legend Bill Bradley has joined the effort by accepting the role of chair of CSTV's Fields & Dreams Foundation, saying, "Across America, organized sports provide young people an opportunity to achieve athletic and academic dreams, and college sports often represent the best of our local communities. The decision by Tulane to play its full schedule of sports should help inspire all Americans to participate, not just in the relief effort, but in the rebuilding of New Orleans as well. The Fields and Dreams Foundation wants to help the children of the region get back on the playing fields themselves, and begin to rebuild their lives, their hope, and their future."
Following its evacuation from New Orleans last Sunday, the Tulane football team has been moved around Texas and Mississippi in an effort to keep the team together. Tulane, like other schools impacted by Hurricane Katrina, spent the week arranging for all student-athletes to be placed in universities including Louisiana Tech, where the Green Wave football players are attending classes and practicing. Tulane and Mississippi State will play at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, focusing on hope, moving forward and rebuilding.
The Fields & Dreams Foundation was established by CSTV Networks, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, to help underserved elementary and junior high school students improve social, academic and personal development. According to Brian Bedol, CEO of CSTV, "This is an important opportunity for everyone to help in rebuilding the area and to specifically highlight the benefits that organized sports can bring to the healing and recovery process for children in the area. We're delighted that Senator Bradley has agreed to also spearhead the newly created Fields & Dreams Rebuilding Fund, which will share monies raised with Conference USA's Relief Fund."
Tulane and the University of Southern Mississippi, both members of Conference USA, were directly impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Student athletes are expected to start back to classes today although surroundings will not be the same, as clean-up and rebuilding will last for some time. "We are not only thankful to be partners with CSTV, but for this tremendous opportunity to help rebuild the areas affected," Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky said. "Sporting events provide an additional stage to raise awareness of the challenges being faced by the people in these areas, including our Tulane and Southern Miss families."
CSTV's distribution partners including nine of the top 10 distributors -- Adelphia, Bresnan, Charter, Comcast, DirecTV, EchoStar/Dish, Insight, Mediacom and Time Warner - are expected to make the event widely available on systems throughout the country. To expand the distribution and reach to as many Americans as possible, PAX will also broadcast the four-hour block.
Sports legends and celebrities will be available to take pledge calls during the game, and more information about special guests and additional elements of the evening's programming will be announced next week.
Contact:
Jayne Wallace
212-342-8743
jwallace@cstv.com
Craig Sender
212-725-2295
craigs@tryloncommunications.com