Jan. 10, 2005

Fighting Illini fans currently have the opportunity to purchase commemorative Coca-Cola collector's bottles celebrating the 100th anniversary of Illinois basketball. Coca-Cola has produced a limited-edition set of six eight-ounce glass bottles in an Illinois-branded carton. Each bottle is enhanced with the orange and blue Illinois basketball centennial logo. The carrying case features a color photo of the Assembly Hall during a recent game and a timeline of the history of the Illinois basketball program since its inaugural season in 1906.

"We are thrilled that Coca-Cola has shown its enthusiasm for our basketball centennial celebration by producing these one-of-a-kind six packs," says UI Assistant Athletic Director Marty Kaufmann. "Coca-Cola has been a valuable sponsor of the University of Illinois for a number of years, and we are pleased that they wanted to offer our fans these unique bottles to remember such an exciting season, and century, of Illini basketball."

The centennial six-packs are currently on sale at Coca-Cola retailers throughout Champaign-Urbana, Danville, Rantoul, Mattoon, Charleston, Effingham and the Newton/Robinson area. Central States Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Urbana is handling distribution.