Jan. 26, 2005
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -
Kansas City Southern and Women's Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC) announced today a "first-ever" for women's basketball fans in the heartland. On May 7, Kansas City will welcome two of the top WNBA teams for one of only four WNBA exhibition games held outside of a WNBA or NBA market. Kansas City Southern and WIN for KC's partnership will bring the Minnesota Lynx and the 2003 WNBA champion Detroit Shock to Municipal Auditorium for the first "Kansas City Southern Shootout."
"Kansas City Southern is pleased to sponsor women's basketball in Kansas City," said Patrice Brown, associate general counsel for Kansas City Southern and WIN for KC volunteer. "Kansas City is fortunate to host an event of this caliber. The game offers a great activity for families to enjoy together, and brings positive attention downtown -- attention that could help attract an expansion team of our own."
Both teams feature league superstars, including local favorite and Kansas State star, Nicole Ohlde, forward for the Minnesota Lynx; Missouri standout Amanda Lassiter, forward for the Minnesota Lynx; 2004 Olympic team members and gold medal winners, Swin Cash, Ruth Riley, both of Detroit, and Katie Smith, of Minnesota; 2004 Australian Olympic team member and silver medalist, Kristie Harrower, guard for the Minnesota Lynx; eight-year league veteran, Merlakia Jones, now with Detroit; 2004 Coach of the Year, Suzie McConnell Serio, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx; and 2003 Coach of the Year, Bill Laimbeer, head coach of the Detroit Shock.
The teams will tip off action at Municipal Auditorium, 7 p.m., Saturday, May 7. Tickets go on sale January 27 through all Ticketmaster outlets. Prices range from $12 in general seating to $100 VIP packages.
"The WNBA game offers Kansas City sports fans a first-ever opportunity to see high-level professional women's basketball," said Patti Phillips, Director of WIN for KC. "We are thrilled to welcome our hometown heroes and national WNBA stars to the metro area. This is one event local sports fans do not want to miss!"
The WNBA weekend will include great opportunities for both young players and area coaches, including a youth clinic and a coach's forum. The youth clinic will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium. Kids will receive a free game ticket with their paid registration. To register, contact WIN for KC at 816-474-4652.
For coaches, the "Beyond the X's and O's" forum, specifically designed to educate coaches on issues off the court, will feature speakers Leslie Bonci, nutritionist for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Deb Patterson, head coach of the K-State Wildcats; and Dr. Chris Carr, nationally recognized sports psychologist. All area coaches are encouraged to attend. Registration also includes a ticket to the WNBA game. The clinic is sponsored by the Center for Drug Free Sport and will be held at the downtown Marriott with sessions running from 1 to 3 p.m. Contact Jessica Blubaugh at (816) 474-4652 for more information. Seating is limited.
Kansas City Southern (KCS) (NYSE: KSU) is a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the United States, Mexico, and Panama. Its primary domestic holdings include The Kansas City Southern Railway Company, founded in 1887, and The Texas Mexican Railway Company, founded in 1885. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., KCS serves customers in the central and south central regions of the United States. KCS' rail holdings and investments, including TFM, S.A. de C.V., are primary components of a NAFTA Railway system that links the commercial and industrial centers of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Visit www.kcsi.com for more information.
The Women's Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC), is a program under the umbrella of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation whose mission is to advocate and promote the lifetime value of sports and fitness for girls and women, and to provide opportunities for participation in the Greater Kansas City area. Established in 1994, WIN for KC programs primarily target girls and women. Visit www.sportkc.org for more information.
