Oct. 12, 2001

Tickets Go On Sale Monday, Oct. 22, At 10 A.M.

ST. LOUIS - Enthusiasm is high once again for the 21st annual Busch Braggin' Rights Missouri v. Illinois Men's Basketball Game at Savvis Center on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m. This exciting match-up between the Missouri Tigers and the Illinois Fighting Illini will once again be one of the hottest tickets of the year, as the game perennially fills Savvis Center with sold out crowds. To give fans a little more to brag about, the action will be doubled with the second annual Busch Braggin' Rights Women's Basketball Game played prior to the men's game at 5 p.m., giving fans two thrilling games in one night.

The longstanding rivalry between Missouri and Illinois creates a matchless and spirited environment for both the teams. "This is a special evening that we very much look forward to every year," said Missouri head coach, Quin Snyder. "I've quickly learned to appreciate the passion for the rivalry of two great schools like Missouri and Illinois. It is hard to imagine a better atmosphere for a collegiate sporting event. St. Louis is a home away from home for us, and the support we receive there for this game is just tremendous." Illinois head coach Bill Self also recognizes the unique environment the game generates. "The atmosphere at last year's game was as good, if not better, than any game in the nation. The Illinois-Missouri game at Savvis Center has the most unique atmosphere of any game that I've been a part of, and the anticipation for the 2001 Busch Braggin' Rights game will be as high as any game ever played in the series," said Self.

Once again this year, the Missouri and Illinois women's teams will compete for their own Braggin' Rights. Missouri women's head coach Cindy Stein said, "We really enjoy the opportunity to play in St. Louis at Savvis Center. Illinois is a great team and we look forward to an excellent night of hoops." Illinois women's head coach Theresa Grentz added, "We're thrilled that this is going to be a doubleheader this year. We enjoyed our first opportunity to play in this event and I'm sure that it will be a game we look forward to playing in for years to come."

Busch Braggin' Rights/Add One
Since the first men's match-up in 1980, the Illini have taken the series in 1980, 1983-90, 1995, 1996 and 2000 for a total of twelve wins. The Tigers prevailed in 1981, 1991-94 and 1997-99 for a total of eight wins. Last year's women's game gave the inaugural Braggin' Rights to Illinois with a 92-74 victory over the Missouri Tigers.

Tickets for the men's and women's Busch Braggin' Rights Missouri v. Illinois Basketball games will be sold as a two-game package only and will go on sale Monday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m. Tickets for the two-game package are $45, $35 and $30. Tickets may be purchased at the Savvis Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, including Famous Barr, select Schnucks Video Clubs, Streetside Records, Wherehouse Music and the BlueNote Sports Shops, by phone at 314-241-1888 (automated) or 618-222-2900 or 314-421-4400 (sales rep) and online at ticketmaster.com. For disabled access information, please call 314-622-5420. For further information, please call 314-531-SVVS. A limit of four tickets per person may be purchased on the first day of ticket sales. A $2 per ticket facility fee will be added at all locations, including the Savvis Center Box Office. Additional Ticketmaster service charges and handling fees apply to all tickets purchased through Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online.

With the majority of tickets sold through the University of Missouri and University of Illinois, a limited number of tickets will be available for public sale. A line-ticket system will be used for the first day of sale of Busch Braggin' Rights Missouri v. Illinois Basketball Game tickets at the Savvis Center Box Office. Line tickets will be distributed at 9 a.m. on October 22, with line numbers drawn at random at approximately 9:30 a.m. Line numbers will then be called individually and randomly, allowing the guest with that number to enter the Box Office window area. Only one guest per line ticket may enter the Box Office window area. Numbers will continue to be called individually and randomly until all waiting guests have purchased tickets or until tickets are sold out. A line ticket does not guarantee a ticket to the game. Guests arriving after 9:30 a.m. will not receive a line ticket and will be permitted to enter the Box Office window area only after all guests with line tickets have been accommodated. Each guest purchasing tickets must have his/her own cash or credit card available at the time he/she enters the Box Office. Checks are not accepted. For information regarding the line ticket system used at Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, please call the respective location.