FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2005

Contact: Leslie Lyon @ 512/471-3678

RAY BENSON JOINS THE GIBSON GRAND SLAM JAM TENNIS SHOOTOUT!

AUSTIN, TEXAS –  The celebrity names joining the roster for the Gibson Grand Slam Jam Tennis Shootout just keep rolling in!  The self-proclaimed post-modern king of Western swing, Ray Benson, has announced that he will put down  his Gibson guitar long enough to play some tennis.  Benson will join Lance Armstrong as a special guest of the  Gibson Grand Slam Jam.

Benson has become a Texas institution.  He is the nine-time Grammy-winning leader of Asleep at the Wheel, a band that has enjoyed a legendary run in the music business over the past four decades.  This success has allowed Benson to work with some of most recognized and respected musicians in the business, including Bob Dylan, George Strait and the Dixie Chicks. 

The lineup for this event is all over the map:  a nine-time grammy winner, a six-time winner of the Tour de France, three young, accomplished and still rising tennis stars and one of the greatest singles players in history.  They will compete against each other on February 3 at the Frank Erwin Center, the proud host of the Gibson Grand Slam Jam Tennis Shootout featuring Andy Roddick, Taylor Dent, Donald Young and Host Jim Courier with special guests Lance Armstrong and Ray Benson. 

The other special guest of the event, Lance Armstrong, was just voted last December Male Athlete of the Year for the third strait year by the Associated Press.  As for the tennis talent, it cannot be topped.  Roddick reached the finals in Wimbledon last year and is the youngest American in history to finish a year on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour as number one.  Dent played for the American Olympic team in Athens.  Young made history as the youngest player to ever take the boys’ 18 title and Courier is one of the greatest American singles players in history.    

The Gibson Grand Slam Jam, supported 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.

Tickets for the Gibson Grand Slam Jam Tennis Shootout featuring Andy Roddick, Taylor Dent, Donald Young, Host Jim Courier and special guests Lance Armstrong and Ray Benson 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.  uterwincenter.com.