Billiken Invitational Shifts to Chaifetz Arena
Sept. 2, 2008
ST. LOUIS - Extraordinary demand for tickets to the Saint Louis volleyball team's annual Billiken Invitational has prompted University officials and athletics administration to move the tournament into Chaifetz Arena. The title sponsor of this year's event is Front Door LLC. The four-team event, which will be held Sept. 5-6, was originally slated for Chaifetz Pavilion, the home of Billiken volleyball. "Thanks to great fan interest and sponsor support, we are proud to announce the change of venue for the Billiken Invitational, the inaugural Billiken athletics event to be held in Chaifetz Arena," Saint Louis director of athletics Chris May said. "Front Door LLC is proud to partner with Saint Louis University to sponsor the 2008 Billiken Invitational," Front Door LLC vice president Amy Gill said. "We believe the benefits that girls and women gain from participating in sports, like volleyball, are immeasurable. The important lessons they learn and the values gained by these athletes at a young age will be used throughout their lives. Volleyball is a popular American sport, and Front Door is honored to support a tournament for a sport which earned such great exposure recently at the 2008 Beijing Olympics." Joining Saint Louis (3-0) in the 2008 edition of the Billiken Invitational are Stanford, Illinois and William & Mary. The Cardinal (1-1), which finished the 2007 campaign as the national runner-up, is ranked No. 3 in the country with 1356 points, according to the CBS College Sports Network / AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) Division I Coaches Top 25 Poll. The Fighting Illini (3-0), who return five starters and their libero from last season's 16-14 squad, are ranked 19th with 456 votes, and William & Mary Tribe is off to a 3-0 start. "I would like to thank Front Door LLC, Director of Athletics Chris May and his staff and the University for recognizing and understanding the overwhelming interest in our program and this tournament, and allowing us to move the Billiken Invitational into Chaifetz Arena," Billiken head volleyball coach Anne Kordes said. "Our players are excited about playing in front of a large hometown crowd and showing Billiken fans what an amazing team we have this season. Plus, Illinois and Stanford are ranked, and each team has players from the area on its roster so fans will have the chance to witness a great tournament with a lot of local flavor."
Session tickets may be purchased at the gate, by phone at (314) 977-4SLU or online at www.slubillikens.com. The main box office at Chaifetz Arena will be the only place tickets will be available during the tournament. Prices for single-session tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for youth. All session passes are available for $15 for adults and $9 for youth. Groups of 20 or more receive discounted tickets for $3 apiece. Students with a valid SLU ID card receive free admission. Parking will be available one hour before the start of each session for $6 in the Fred Weber Lot, adjacent to Chaifetz Arena, and for $5 in the parking garage at the intersection of Olive Street and Compton Avenue. |
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