FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 31, 2013

Contact: Terry Johnson, Executive Director [email protected] (859) 258-3040

BLUEGRASS SPORTS COMMISSION PARTNERS TO HOST NBA PRE-SEASON GAME

LEXINGTON – The NBA’s and will play a pre- season game in Rupp Arena on October 19th at 7:00 p.m., the Bluegrass Sports Commission (BSC) and Global Sports Management (GSM) announced today. The game will feature three former UK players, and Darius Miller from the New Orleans Pelicans and of the Washington Wizards. Taking place the day after UK ’s annual Big Blue Madness, the game will help tip off the basketball season for Big Blue Nation and provide a unique opportunity to be a part of the excitement of NBA basketball. “This game will be an exciting weekend of basketball for Kentucky fans. They can start off the weekend with Big Blue Madness on Friday and an NBA game on Saturday,” stated Maury Hanks, President of Knoxville-based Global Sports Management. “We are excited to partner with Global Sports Management to bring this unique event to Rupp Arena.,” said Terry Johnson, Executive Director or the BSC. “It will bring thousands of fans to central Kentucky and be a terrific addition to our sports calendar.” Tickets range in price from $10 J $250 and go on sale to the public Friday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m. They can be purchased at the Rupp Arena box office or at RuppArena.com. WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Anthony Davis – Pelican’s star and former Wildcat great “I am very excited to return to Rupp and compete with two of the BBN’s finest and members of the Wildcat family, John Wall and my teammate, Darius Miller,” said Pelican’s star, Anthony Davis.

Dell Demps – General Manager, New Orleans Pelicans “We look forward to playing a preseason game at the that has such a great basketball tradition and look forward to the opportunity to play in front of their fans that are so passionate about the game,” said Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps. “It’s an additional treat for UK alums Anthony Davis and Darius Miller to play against John Wall and allow them to reconnect with the Kentucky fans and community.”

Ernie Grunfeld – President, Washington Wizards "We look forward to bringing the Wizards to Lexington and having John Wall back at Rupp Arena," said Wizards President . "As a former SEC player, I know the passion, enthusiasm and excitement of the Kentucky fans will provide a great atmosphere for the game."

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The Bluegrass Sports Commission is governed by a board of directors and is an independent, non-profit 501c3 responsible for recruiting, growing, executing and attracting sporting events of all sizes and types that serve the Central Kentucky by increasing economic activity and/or improving the quality of life for its citizens.

The mission of Global Sports Management is to collaborate across sports to improve individual, team and franchise performance and explore ways in which sports can maximize its impact on society, business and the overall quality of life.