In The News

FLEX COURT and UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS TO HOST WORLD'S BIGGEST BASKETBALL EVENT

10/6/08

CHAMPAIGN, IL -- The Fighting Illini will host The World's Biggest Basketball Practice immediately following Illinois' Oct. 11 football game at 11 a.m. against Minnesota. The event will feature both the men's and women's basketball teams and will take place at Memorial Stadium. The Official Playing Surface is supplied by Flex Court Athletics, Kewanee, IL.

Click here for pictures of the event

The event will create a new attendance standard for any women's basketball event, while also marking the all-time attendance high for a men's basketball practice. The event will be similar in format to Illini Madness, with a shooting contest, dunk contest and loose scrimmage.

The basketball court provided Flex Court Athletics , based in Kewanee, Ill., will be assembled in the South end zone of Memorial Stadium beginning on Thursday, Oct. 9. The court will be in position prior to the Illinois-Minnesota football game, allowing for an immediate transition into The World's Biggest Basketball Practice.

"The World's Biggest Basketball Practice serves as another great opportunity to shine the spotlight on Fighting Illini basketball," Illinois men's basketball coach Bruce Weber said. "Between this event and the OEA Night of Legends' event we announced on Monday, we continue to show the strength of this program on a national level and create special events for one of America's most loyal and passionate fan bases."

"We are extremely exited to partner with University of Illinois and to help make this event a real success for their entire basketball program" says mats Jonmarker, CEO & President, Flex Court International, Inc.

Last season, both the Fighting Illini men's and women's basketball programs lost in the championship game of the Big Ten Tournament, leaving them minutes away from an NCAA Tournament bid. Illinois women's basketball coach Jolette Law enters her second season with the Fighting Illini after leading the program to its first 20-win campaign since 1999-2000.

"The opportunity to take the biggest stage in women's basketball history is an incredible moment for our program," Law said. "We eagerly anticipate both The World's Biggest Basketball Practice and the beginning of a season that we feel holds great promise."

Flex Court will make the court available for bid following the event. More information regarding the opportunity to purchase the court used at The World's Biggest Basketball Practice will be made available on FightingIllini.com as the event nears.

For more information about the Flex Court products including Basketball Courts , Tennis Courts , Gym Flooring and Game Courts , visit www.flexcourtcanada.ca or call us at 1-866-915-3539