IRVINE, CA – With the countdown clock to the 2011 ampm Big West Basketball Tournament at Honda Center ticking down to less than three weeks away, tune in to all the festivities surrounding the conference’s marquee event.

Squeaking sneakers, bouncing balls and cheering crowds will fill the atmosphere inside the arena, but there will be plenty of activity taking place around the tournament.  The conference has welcomed ampm as the title sponsor for this year’s tournament and, with that partnership, has launched a season long marketing initiative.  The ampm Big West Fast Break Tour has been making its way around the conference to get fans ready for the tournament while giving them opportunities to enter the ampm Big West Fast Break sweepstakes for a chance to win tournament tickets, tournament merchandise, an iPad and ampm product.

As part of tournament week, returning for a ninth straight year is the Big West Fan Fest with traditional events such as the Mascot Mayhem, Battle of the Bands, and Youth Basketball Clinic.  All three events will add to the overall fan experience for adults and children alike.

Before the spotlight hits Honda Center for three days of tournament action March 10-12, the excitement of March Madness actually begins on Tuesday, March 8 as the top four women’s teams in the conference host the first round of competition on campus sites.  Cal Poly, which leads the women’s side with a 10-1 conference mark, already has earned the right to host one of the games.  The four first round winners move on to Honda Center for the semifinals and championship game.  All first round women’s games will tip at 7:00 p.m. on March 8.

Once all the teams and fans descend upon Honda Center, be sure to pay attention to the tournament-related experiences that go beyond the ticket purchase.

FAN FEST EVENT SCHEDULE

MASCOT MAYHEM - Thursday, March 10, 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Honda Center

The Mascot Mayhem is in its ninth year featuring the conference’s nine mascots.  The mascots will face off in four different events, including pop-a-shot, mini ball dribbling, hula hoop and big club golf.


BATTLE OF THE BIG WEST BANDS - Friday, March 11, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Honda Center

The Battle of the Big West Bands returns to the Fan Fest slate for this year’s tournament.  This competition will highlight the playlists of the conference’s pep bands in a fast paced battle that will greet fans as they arrive for the men’s semifinal games.


U.S. BANK BIG WEST YOUTH BASKETBALL CLINIC  - Saturday, March 12, 9:30 am - 11:30 am at Cal State Fullerton Student Rec Center

The U.S. Bank Big West Youth Basketball Clinic will take place on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Championship Saturday of Tournament Week.  Big West Conference student athletes will work with second through sixth grade kids throughout Orange County and teach them the basics of basketball.  This event is free and every child will receive a basketball, t-shirt and autographed poster.