FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2005

Contact: Leslie Lyon @ 512/471-3678

LANCE ARMSTRONG JOINS

THE GIBSON GRAND SLAM JAM AT THE FRANK ERWIN CENTER

AUSTIN, TEXAS –  Where else but at the Gibson Grand Slam Jam Tennis Shootout could you watch a six-time consecutive winner of the Tour de France play a friendly game of tennis against some real tennis stars?  Lance Armstrong will be the special guest of the Gibson Grand Slam Jam featuring Andy Roddick, Taylor Dent, Donald Young and Host Jim Courier.  Armstrong is not only a record holding winner of the Tour de France, last December he was also voted Male Athlete of the Year for the third strait year by the Associated Press.  Armstrong and Michael Jordan are the only athletes selected by sports writers and broadcasters three consecutive years since the honor was first awarded in 1931. 

The Gibson Grand Slam Jam, supported annually by musical giant Gibson Guitar, is a smashing sporting event that is more than a fantastic tennis game - it’s a fundraiser for a good cause. The Grand Slam Jam Foundation will donate its proceeds to the Hope Foundation, a cancer research organization based in San Antonio, Texas.

Though he may have an outstanding cycling record, Armstrong’s tennis record may be eclipsed by his fellow Grand Slam Jam players!  Roddick is the youngest American in history to finish a year on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour as number one and he reached the finals at Wimbledon last year.  Dent is another young and accomplished tennis player who reached number 22 in the 2004 ATP rankings and played for the American Olympic team in Athens.  At 14 years old, Young made history as the youngest player to ever take the boys’ 18 title.  Courier is one of the greatest American singles players in history.  But even tennis fans may not know he is also a recognized musician!  He will be returning to Austin to host the Gibson Grand Slam Jam Tennis Shootout.  

Tickets for the Gibson Grand Slam Jam Tennis Shootout featuring Andy Roddick, Taylor Dent, Donald Young, Host Jim Courier and special guest Lance Armstrong at the Frank Erwin Center Thursday, February 3 at 7PM are $16, $26, $45 VIP and $75 Courtside and are ON SALE NOW at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Bee Caves, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and San Marcos; Ft. Hood Bldg. #136 and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512/477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order on-line at TexasBoxOffice.com. THE FOLLOWING DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE ON ALL TICKET PRICES EXCEPT VIP AND COURTSIDE.  NO DOUBLE DISCOUNTS.  $5 off with coupons available at participating Austin-area Taco Bell locations, $3 off for college and university students, faculty and staff with valid I.D., and $3 off groups of 20 or more.  Groups should call the Group Sales Department at 512/471-7744.  Convenience charges may apply.  All information subject to change.  The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility.  Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots.  For more information, call 512/471-7744. 

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