Wooden Classic Tickets on Sale Saturday

ANAHEIM -- Tickets for the 17th annual John R. Wooden Classic, scheduled for Saturday, December 18 at Honda Center, go on sale Saturday, October 23 at 10 a.m. PT. Once again this season, four of the nation’s premier basketball programs will be featured in this doubleheader named after the renowned coach. It will be the first John R. Wooden Classic since the passing of the event’s namesake, legendary coach and humanitarian John Wooden in June. Fans can look forward to this year’s event including a number of fitting tributes and memorable keepsakes.

In the afternoon match-up, UCLA will take on BYU. This will be UCLA’s eighth-consecutive appearance in the Wooden Classic (14th overall), with a record of 9-4 in prior contests. The UCLA Bruins return three starters and bring in another top-15 recruiting class for the 2010-11 season. UCLA will rely on six freshmen, five sophomores and six juniors on the roster without any senior leadership for the upcoming season. This will mark the first time that BYU has participated in the John R. Wooden Classic. Coming off a record-setting 30 win season and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2010, BYU returns the backcourt combo of seniors Jimmer Fredette and Jackson Emery — who will be starting together for a third-straight year — and eight other lettermen.

Game one of the event has Big West favorite Long Beach State taking on Saint Mary’s. The game marks Long Beach’s first appearance in the Wooden Classic. The Beach returns four starters, including first-team All-Big West selection T.J. Robinson and second-team pick Casper Ware. Saint Mary’s will be making their third appearance in the Wooden Classic. Their last appearance was in 2008 where they captured a close victory over San Diego State (67-64). In 2010 Saint Mary's advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men's basketball Tournament and enters the new season poised once again for big accomplishments. The Gaels return the starting backcourt of Mickey McConnell and Matthew Dellavedova, as well as starting forward Clint Steindl.

Tip off for Long Beach State vs. Saint Mary’s is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. (PST), with UCLA vs. BYU beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m. (PST). Both game start times are subject to change.

In addition to college basketball, the week will include charity and alumni events. Visit www.woodenclassic.com for up-to-date information and sponsorship opportunities.

EVENT DETAILS

DATE: Saturday, December 18, 2010

TIME: 11:45 a.m. (subject to change)

GAMES: UCLA vs. BYU and Long Beach State vs. Saint Mary’s College

LOCATION: Honda Center - Anaheim, Calif.

WEB SITE: www.woodenclassic.com

TICKETS: $179.00, $94.00, $69.00, $41.50, $27.00

One ticket allows admission into both games.

Tickets are on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 and at the Honda Center Box Office.

For group ticket information contact Jamie Friedrich at (714) 940-2859 or groupsales@hondacenter.com