Georgia Tech Athletic Department Launches First Mobile App

/PRNewswire/ -- Marking its first foray into the mobile arena, Georgia Tech's Athletic Department released today a free mobile app covering football and men's and women's basketball. Produced in-house by Georgia Tech sports information and marketing staff using Whoop's web-based Creative Studio (www.whoop.com), Georgia Tech's rich media mobile app is designed to work on many different mobile phones, offering up-to-the-minute live updates of games, news feeds, team and player statistics, schedules, audio and video highlights, and links to ticket sales. There's also direct access to Athletic Director Dan Radakovich's "The Good Word" blog.

"Like many college athletic departments, Georgia Tech has been bombarded with pitches from mobile web site builders and iPhone app developers," said Wayne Hogan, associate athletic director for public relations. "Because of its limitations, a mobile web site wasn't our first priority and building just an iPhone app didn't make sense strategically because it would have excluded many of our students, alumni, fans and media who carry other mobile devices, like Blackberry or Windows Mobile phones. So when we saw Whoop's do-it-yourself mobile platform in action, which lets us build and control our own mobile channel and reach all different types of phones, we jumped at the opportunity."

"As one of the world's premier institutes of higher learning and a perennial sports leader in the ACC with rabidly passionate football and basketball fans, Georgia Tech is an ideal client for us," said Jeff Wilson, EVP of sales and marketing of Whoop. "With this new mobile app, Tech fans will be able to stay engaged with their teams wherever and whenever they want. It's like having their own personal college sports channel on their mobile phone."

Georgia Tech's mobile app was built in the Whoop Creative Studio, a web-based platform that's as easy to use as PowerPoint. In opening up mobile app creation to non-developers, Whoop makes it simple for schools, companies, agencies and organizations to produce and publish their own mobile channels, quickly and affordably.

To download the Georgia Tech mobile app, text the word "Jackets" to 53000 and follow the instructions. Standard messaging rates apply.

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Special Olympics Georgia Receives $80,000 Grant From the UPS Foundation

/PRNewswire/ -- Special Olympics Georgia received an $80,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS) . The grant will be used to support the year-round program of training and competition in 23 Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout Georgia. Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) offers five State Games each year and over 500 local (county) meets, tournaments and competitions and offers opportunities for thousands of volunteers. This grant from UPS will enable SOGA to continue to offer programming to almost 23,000 athletes at no cost to the individual or their family!

Georgia Milton-Sheats, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Georgia, said, "Special Olympics Georgia is thrilled to be the recipient of a grant from The UPS Foundation. We admire the high energy and high level of enthusiasm the UPS volunteers show at all Special Olympics events and the athletes love it to! We are thankful to have a strong working partnership with UPS and value our relationship and everything that UPS does to support the 22,769 children and adults involved in Special Olympics Georgia."

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation identified specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: non-profit effectiveness, economic & global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.

In 2008, The UPS Foundation distributed $46.9 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations such as Special Olympics Georgia and provide support for building stronger communities.

"The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities - so we are proud to support Special Olympics Georgia's efforts," said Ken Sternad, President of The UPS Foundation.

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Limited Two-Day Kentucky Derby, Oaks Ticket Packages Go on Sale Wednesday at Tickets.Churchilldowns.Com

(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time in its storied history, Churchill Downs will give the general public an opportunity to purchase special two-day ticket packages to its world-famous Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks via the racetrack’s new online box office, http://tickets.churchilldowns.com.

A limited number of seats – 3,000 for Oaks Day on Friday, April 30 and 3,000 for Derby Day on Saturday, May 1 – have been allocated for this online exclusive and will go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 16 at noon EST.

Prices for the two-day bundled seat packages range from $172 for individual first floor grandstand bleacher seats on both days to $6,390 for a six-seat box in the third floor clubhouse with daily access to the exclusive Secretariat Lounge.

“The Kentucky Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, are extraordinary spectacles that people all over the world hope to experience at least once in their lifetime,” said Kevin Flanery, Churchill Downs Racetrack president. “This holiday season, we’ve set aside approximately 6 percent of our inventory to make it easier for the Louisville community, sports fans and entertainment seekers to obtain these usually hard-to-get reserved seats through our new and convenient online box office.

“For the last few years, we’ve tried to make more tickets available to the general public through last minute ticket lotteries and select on-track promotions. People camped out overnight in the cold and waited in long lines just to have a chance to grab Derby tickets in our on-track lottery. They don’t have to do that now; the tickets are just a mouse-click away. This is a more convenient continuation of that effort, with modest and premium price points available in our supply.”

This online exclusive offer will include third-floor clubhouse box seats in sections 312-314 (50 boxes or 300 seats); first-floor clubhouse box seats in section 111 (166 boxes or 996 seats); second-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 222-225 (300 seats); and first-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 121-128 (1,404 seats). Those who want to purchase box seats must purchase the entire box, which includes seats for six.

The third-floor clubhouse box seat packages include admission to the luxurious Secretariat Lounge, an exclusive, upscale, indoor hospitality area that will feature premium gourmet food, an open bar, televisions, betting kiosks and live music between races.

Customers can also advance purchase general admission tickets to the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands for $40 and the Kentucky Oaks for $25.

Ticket prices vary based on location. There is a purchase limit of six seats or one box per order. Tickets must be purchased with a Visa credit or debit card. Minimal ticket processing charges will apply.

This offer is exclusive to http://tickets.churchilldowns.com; no sales will be made in person or by submitting letters, e-mail or telephone calls to Churchill Downs.

Two-Day Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Reserved Seat Tickets (Limit 6 Per Person)

First-Floor Grandstand Bleacher Seats

(Sections 121-128; total of 1,404 seats)

* Section 128 – $172 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 127 – $183 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 126 – $188 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 125 – $195 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 124 – $197 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 123 – $200 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 122 – $202 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 121 – $207 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

Second-Floor Grandstand Bleacher Seats

(Sections 222-225; total of 300 seats)

* Section 225 – $214 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 224 – $218 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 223 – $222 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 222 – $225 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

First-Floor Clubhouse Box Seats

(Section 111; total of 166 boxes or 996 seats)

* Section 111 – $1,500 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

Third-Floor Clubhouse Box Seats with Access to Exclusive Secretariat Lounge

(Sections 312-314; total of 50 boxes or 300 seats)

* Section 312 – $6,132 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 313 – $6,204 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 314 – $6,390 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

It has never been easier to purchase tickets to Churchill Downs, thanks to the fresh technology at http://tickets.churchilldowns.com. The easy-to-navigate, one-stop shop Website designed by SeatAdvisor, Inc. allows patrons to seamlessly view, choose and purchase exact reserved seat locations throughout the vast facility.

In addition to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, customers can purchase packages to other 2010 events at Churchill Downs, including six “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing events scheduled for June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, Oct. 31 and Nov. 19.

Customers are advised to visit http://tickets.churchilldowns.com frequently as inventory is continually added.

Purchasers of tickets through this online offer will agree to not resell these tickets at a premium in excess of the amount shown on the ticket or to package these tickets for resale together with hospitality, travel or other services and to not purchase – either directly or indirectly – more than the “per person” ticket limit (six seats) established for this online offer. Churchill Downs reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel ticket purchases, including without limitation, voiding online transactions and refunding amounts paid by persons violating these conditions of sale. See http://tickets.churchilldowns.com for the complete terms and conditions of this online offer.

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will host the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, July 5. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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The Enmark Savannah River Bridge Run Scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2009

It’s that time of year again; the time to register to be a part of the Southeast’s most exciting bridge run, the Enmark Savannah River Bridge Run on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Learning more about the Bridge Run just got a whole lot easier with the launch of the newly redesigned Web site, www.SavannahRiverBridgeRun.com.

The Enmark Savannah River Bridge Run is an annual event attracting thousands of participants, race enthusiasts and funseekers from Savannah, the Lowcountry and across the U.S. each
year. The Bridge Run gives participants the chance to cross Savannah’s Talmadge Bridge, a 1.4-mile span at a 5.5% grade, 196 feet above the Savannah River, on foot.

The Enmark Savannah River Bridge Run has something for everyone – races, awards, and a fun
after-race party with food, refreshments, music and more. It features the LIFESTATS 5K Run/Walk, a 10K Run, a Double-Pump Race, a Team Challenge, the Double-Pump Team Challenge and a 1/4 mile Kids Run.

Friends, family, fans and race spectators are invited to join us as we cheer on the Bridge Run participants in downtown Savannah on Saturday, December 5. The 10K Race will start at 9:00 a.m., the Life Stats 5K Race starts at 8:15 a.m. and the 1/4 mile Kids Run starts at 8:00 a.m. The LIFESTATS 5K Race begins across the Savannah River on Hutchinson Island and ends in front of the Savannah Civic Center. The 10K Race starts in front of the Chatham County Court House on Montgomery Street and finishes in front of the Savannah Civic Center. To view the race map, please visit www.SavannahRiverBridgeRun.com.

Registration is available online at www.active.com. Register from November 1 – December 3 and the entry fee is $30. Packet Pickup will be at the Expo located inside the Savannah Civic Center on Friday, December 4. Participants that register at the Expo will pay $35. The entry fee includes a t-shirt and refreshments. Participants cannot register on the day of the race.

Presented by Enmark and organized by the Greater Savannah Sports Council, the Enmark Savannah River Bridge Run benefits the Cancer Care Research Pavilion at St. Joseph's/Candler.
For registration, race details and information contact Fleet Feet Sports of Savannah at (912) 355-3527 or visit www.SavannahRiverBridgeRun.com.

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GSU Athletics announces football ticket plans, changes to 2010 schedule

Season tickets for the inaugural 2010 Georgia State football season at the Georgia Dome will go on sale on Monday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m.

The 2010 schedule, which kicks off at the Georgia Dome on Thursday, Sept. 2 versus Shorter, now includes seven home games with the addition of Lamar. The Panthers, coached by Bill Curry, will now host Lamar on Nov. 6, while the home game against Lambuth has been moved to Sept. 11. The Panthers also host Jacksonville State (Sept. 18), Morehead State (Oct. 2), Savannah State (Oct. 9), and North Carolina Central (Oct. 16).

"The response to our new football program has been overwhelmingly positive every step of the way, and the Georgia State community is anxious to be a part of history in our inaugural season," said Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick. "Not only will our fans be able to cheer for the first football team in Georgia State history, but they will watch our new marching band and sing our new fight song."

The majority of the lower level seats at the Georgia Dome range in price from $72 - $125 for the seven-game package, with Georgia State faculty and staff receiving a 20 percent discount off those prices. Active military personnel also receive the 20 percent discount.

Premium mid-field season ticket packages range from $150 - $400, including a tax-deductible donation to the Panther Athletics Club (PAC). PAC members will also have the opportunity to purchase priority parking.

Georgia State athletics also announced "The Huddle," an exclusive section of 300 ultra-premium seats located at midfield and priced at $2,500 per pair (must be purchased in pairs). The total cost includes a tax-deductible contribution to the PAC and provides season ticket holders with access to the exclusive Owner's Club, premiere Priority Parking and many other amenities.

Georgia State students will be admitted free with their valid Panther Card identification. A total of 11,217 seats have been reserved for students, including 7,670 in the lower level.

"Taking care of the needs of the Georgia State students was very important in this process," said Kosha Irby, Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations. "This is their football team, and their support is crucial to our success."

In addition to traditional student seating, Georgia State will also offer students the opportunity to upgrade to a reserved seat for just $35. This option should appeal to GSU's professional and non-traditional students, Irby said.

"We want to immerse Georgia State football in the Atlanta community," said Irby. "We are offering the opportunity to see exciting college football in a first-class facility at a variety of price points, making Georgia State football a great value.

"Our games will be accessible to alumni of any age, to faculty and staff, to families, to local businesses and of course to our student body."

Fans can begin purchasing tickets Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. by calling the Georgia State ticket office at 1.866.GA.STATE or online at www.GeorgiaStateSports.com.

On that day, Georgia State Athletics will open the Sports Arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those who wish to purchase their tickets in person. Refreshments will be served, the Georgia State football coaches and cheerleaders will be on hand, and door prizes will be offered, including authentic mini-helmets.

Fans who have already made season ticket deposits will be contacted by ticket office staff to select their price point. Seat selection for all price levels, including priority seats, will take place next spring.

2010 INAUGURAL GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Thursday Sept. 2 SHORTER GEORGIA DOME
Saturday Sept. 11 LAMBUTH GEORGIA DOME
Saturday Sept. 18 JACKSONVILLE STATE GEORGIA DOME
Saturday Sept. 25 at Campbell Buies Creek, N.C.
Saturday Oct. 2 MOREHEAD STATE GEORGIA DOME
Saturday Oct. 9 SAVANNAH STATE GEORGIA DOME
Saturday Oct. 16 NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL GEORGIA DOME
Saturday Oct. 23 at Old Dominion Norfolk, Va.
Saturday Oct. 30 at South Alabama Mobile, Ala.
Saturday Nov. 6 LAMAR GEORGIA DOME
Saturday Nov. 20 at Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala.

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Special Olympics Georgia Competition Week in Middle Georgia: State Horse Show, Southeast Powerlifting Invitational and an Announcement About Games

Special Olympics Georgia Competition Week in Middle Georgia: State Horse Show, Southeast Powerlifting Invitational and an Announcement About Games to be Held in Warner Robins

/PRNewswire/ -- Special Olympics will hold three events in the Macon area this week: an announcement about a state games moving to Warner Robins in August 2010 on Thursday, and the State Horse Show in Perry and the Southeast Powerlifting Invitational in Macon this weekend, Nov. 13-15.

-- The Horse Show features more than 200 athletes from all over the state
competing to be Georgia's best in showmanship, dressage, English and
western riding, and riding trails at Georgia National Fairgrounds &
Agricenter in Perry.
-- Also during the weekend, more than 100 Special Olympics athletes from
Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and
Georgia are competing in the Southeast Powerlifting Invitational. The
weekend-long competition will be held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in
Macon.
-- Thursday, a press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Warner
Robins City Hall to announce that the State Masters Bowling is coming
to Warner Robins Aug. 20-22, 2010.

All events are free and open to the public.

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Trout Unlimited's Gold Rush Chapter Schedules 1st Annual Fly Fishing Challenge at Frog Hollow

The Gold Rush Chapter of Trout Unlimited, based in Dahlonega, has announced that it will sponsor the first annual Gold Rush Cup Fly Fishing Challenge to be held on the beautiful and picturesque waters of the Chestatee River.

The venue, which has been carefully chosen, is one of the most popular trophy trout streams in the United States, Frog Hollow in Lumpkin County. This year's event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (a rain date will be provided). Directions to the venue can be found online at www.goldrushtu.org or www.froghollowflyfishing.com.

Attendance is open to the public with fly casting and tying demonstrations being provided by Gold Rush Chapter members. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Event tickets are $5.00 per person; children 12 and under are free. A number of raffle items will also be available.

This is a fly fishing challenge which will permit two-person teams of contestants to match their skills against other teams to earn a $1,000 grand prize, plus two quality, custom-made fly rods. Individual awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Registration to compete is open to the general public, on a first come basis, and the deadline for entry is Thursday, Oct. 1. Participants must be members of the national organization of Trout Unlimited; membership is open to the general public (see www.tu.org). A maximum of 10 two-person teams will be permitted; however, a minimum of five two-person teams must be registered for the event to take place.

A $500, non-refundable registration and entry fee for each two-person team is required. Business or corporate gold level sponsorship of a team or for a business/corporate booth is $200, and silver level sponsorships are $50. In the event an insufficient number of participants register for this event, all funds for individuals and businesses will be returned.

A kick-off dinner will be hosted at the site of the tournament in Frog Hollow on the Friday night before the competition;. It will begin at 5 p.m.; and the cost is $10.00 per person. A participant captain's meeting will also be held at Frog Hollow on the evening prior to the tournament.

This is a two-person team event which will be conducted according to Gold Rush tournament committee rules and regulations. More details about the event, as well as a detailed listing of the rules, are posted on the Gold Rush Chapter website at www.goldrushtu.org. All proceeds from this event will go to Trout Unlimited, a 501 (C)(3), non-profit organization.

The mission of Trout Unlimited's Gold Rush Chapter, is to conserve, protect, and restore the coldwater fisheries and their watersheds in the North Georgia area, while assisting the T.U. national organization to do the same at the national level.

In addition to the monthly chapter meetings, the Gold Rush Chapter is actively involved in conservation efforts that include assistance to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forestry Service to ensure and enhance the environment and to perpetuate fish species by constructing and maintaining various stream structures. The chapter also initiates and works with other organizations in stream cleanup, assists with stocking of streams, and monitors water quality conditions of local streams. The chapter has been engaged in teaching the sport of fly fishing and conservation practices at several locations including North Georgia College and State University, Brenau University, and Lumpkin County Middle and High Schools, Outdoor Activity Day at Unicoi, and Kids' Day at Amicalola Park. The chapter has also supported the efforts of "Project Healing Waters fly Fishing" by providing volunteer and equipment assistance to their programs in the area. According to Healing Waters, these events serve military personnel and veterans who have been wounded, injured, or disabled to aid their physical and emotional recovery by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly fishing and tying and by using and enjoying these skills on fishing outings and as a lifelong recreation.
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