Bob Carpenter, Publisher of Inside Lacrosse, announced today that Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A, Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of imaging and networking technologies, has renewed its commitment as the title sponsor of the Face-Off Classic. The Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic will be played on Feb. 28, 2009, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
In just its third year, the Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic has become the traditional start of the lacrosse season for the game's growing fan base. This year, it does so with a new matchup - Duke vs. Maryland -- to combine with Johns Hopkins vs. Princeton. In its first two years, the Face-Off Classic attracted crowds of 20,180 (2007) and 19,165 (2008).
The first game of the 2009 Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic will start at noon with Johns Hopkins playing Princeton. The second game will get underway at 2:30 p.m. with Duke facing Maryland. Last season Johns Hopkins reached the NCAA Championship game, while Duke advanced to the semifinals (falling to Johns Hopkins) and Maryland to the quarterfinals. Princeton missed out on the NCAA Tournament in 2008, but the Tigers return to action bolstered by the nation's No. 1 recruiting class.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with Konica Minolta," said Inside Lacrosse Publisher Bob Carpenter. "The commitment of the Konica Minolta brand not only raises the profile of the Face-Off Classic, but of the entire sport. Global brands like Konica Minolta only associate with events that help achieve business objectives. This makes a strong statement about the position of lacrosse in the sports marketplace and the ability of this event to attract more fans to the game. With Konica Minolta's partnership we expect this year's event to be the best ever."
"Our entire organization looks forward to continuing our commitment with the game of lacrosse, especially with our decision to renew our title sponsorship of the Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic," said Kevin P. Kern, vice president, marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. "Our sports marketing initiatives have proven to be very effective in building brand awareness of Konica Minolta, and our award-winning lines of imaging and networking technologies. Our desire is to position the 2009 Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic as a premier event within the landscape of college sports, and the excitement is already building for next year's matchups."
Ticket Information
Ticket packages go on sale November 1, 2008, for the Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic. Ticket prices for 2009 will be $10 for groups of 10 or more, $20 for Lower Level reserved seats and $30 for Club Level seats. All seats for the event are reserved and lacrosse fans are urged to make their plans early to reserve the best seats in the house.
Inside Lacrosse will be providing more information regarding event ticket sales in the coming weeks. Lacrosse fans interested in ticket information can also call the Baltimore Ravens box office at 410-261-RAVE or go online to www.ticketmaster.com.
Fans can also go online to Faceoffclassic.com to download a ticket order form and find out the latest information regarding the 2009 Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic.
Visit www.KMBSsports.com to enter for your chance to win The Konica Minolta Ultimate Sports Experience.
About Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop. In 2008, Konica Minolta was recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys. For more information, please visit www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us.
About Inside Lacrosse
Inside Lacrosse is the premier source of information about lacrosse -- the fastest-growing participant sport in the United States -- helping to define the cutting edge of the sport's rapid growth.
Inside Lacrosse includes Inside Lacrosse magazine, Face-Off Yearbook, InsideLacrosse.com, InsideLacrosse.tv, LacrosseForums.com, NLLInsider.com, Wingszone.com/nllmb and several other products and services unique to the sport. Inside Lacrosse is also the online lacrosse partner of ESPN.com.
Baltimore-based Inside Lacrosse magazine is published 11 times a year. Inside Lacrosse TV, which airs on ESPN2, covers high school, college and professional lacrosse, providing instruction, a look behind the scenes and player features. Face-Off College Yearbook is an annual comprehensive preview of the upcoming men's lacrosse season.
Founded in 1997 by Robert Carpenter, Inside Lacrosse is now part of American City Business Journals, Inc. ACBJ is the largest publisher of metropolitan business newsweeklies in the United States and owns a variety of sports publications, including The Sporting News, Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal, NASCAR Illustrated and NASCAR Scene.
Konica Minolta Contact
James Norberto
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.
+1 201.825.4000
PR@kmbs.konicaminolta.us
Inside Lacrosse Contact
Christine Capella
Inside Lacrosse
410.583.8740 (ext. 105)
christine.capella@insidelacrosse.com
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