Jan. 29, 2001

Columbia, Mo.-The Missouri women's basketball team has tipped off their second annual Head to the Hearnes promotion. The goal is to pack the Hearnes Center to capacity and help cheer on the Tigers against the Kansas Jayhawks on Sat., Feb. 10 at 3:00 p.m. To date, over 9,500 tickets to the Missouri-Kansas game have already been sold.

Last season, the campaign led Missouri to break the single-game home attendance record when 6,227 fans braved four inches of snow to Head to the Hearnes and cheer on the Tigers against Oklahoma.

Missouri is 12-5 with a 3-3 Big 12 Conference record this year, including a 68-52 triumph over then No. 12 ranked Texas. The Tigers are 7-0 in the Hearnes Center in 2000-2001 posting their best home record since the 1987-88 season when Missouri won all nine of its home games.

Already this year, Missouri is averaging 1,521 fans per game to rank 47th in the country in women's basketball attendance. Missouri recorded a season-high crowd in its Big 12 home opener against Texas with 2,422 fans. The Tigers had their second largest attendance when 2,062 fans cheered on their 65-60 come-from-behind victory over Kansas State.

Tickets to the 2000-2001 Head to the Hearnes promotion are just $1 and can be purchased at the Hearnes Center Ticket Office or by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS or 884-PAWS in Columbia. Individuals can also purchase group packages. Organizations buying 50 or more tickets will have their name listed on the message board and in public announcements during the game. And, businesses purchasing 500 or more tickets will have an opportunity to hang their banner in the arena.

Tiger women's basketball proudly supports mid-Missouri youth organizations and invites businesses wanting to purchase group ticket packages to donate their tickets to community schools and youth projects. Those interested, please contact the Sports Marketing Group Sales office at (573) 882-0710.

"We think Missouri women's basketball offers an exciting atmosphere and a great family environment," Don Guckenberger, director of marketing, said. "This promo offers a wonderful opportunity for fans of all ages to experience a great game. We're confident once people get a taste for the program, they'll want to come back for more."

Be part of the history, help Mizzou pack the arena, and Head to the Hearnes.