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A Message From the President
Billiken Briefs
Human Resources FYI
Media Matters
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Professional Notes
Top Ten
Trivia Corner
University Condolences
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Director of Athletics Doug Woolard has announced that the Billikens will meet Big Ten member Illinois in the first basketball event at the Trans World Dome in downtown St. Louis. The game is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, at a time still to be determined.
"Saint Louis University is pleased to be involved in the first basketball event in the Trans World Dome," Woolard said. "The St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission and the St. Louis Sports Commission have been extremely supportive of our athletic department. It's gratifying to step up as a member of this community and support their need for a basketball event at the Dome. This inaugural game is a historic occasion that will always be remembered."
The Trans World Dome will host an NCAA men's basketball regional final in 1999. According to NCAA guidelines, a host site must hold at least one basketball event prior to the NCAA Tournament in which it is participating. The Saint Louis/Illinois game will be that event for the Dome.
"There are many different events scheduled in the Dome this year, including conventions, trade shows, football games, concerts and, now, basketball," said Bob Bedell, president and CEO of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission (CVC). "The diversity of the events held here truly reflect the multipurpose nature of the facility.
"The Saint Louis University/Illinois game gives the Dome credibility and experience as a basketball venue," Bedell continued. "We believe the Dome is going to be a major player in future NCAA Tournament plans. We want to hold one major basketball event here each year." The CVC plans to bid for the NCAA Final Four for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005.
The St. Louis Sports Commission is a partner in the event. The Sports Commission is responsible for marketing, promotions and sponsorship for the game.
"This is another outstanding college basketball event for fans in the St. Louis area, plus it has the potential to become a nice rivalry," said Charlie Spoonhour, Billikens head coach. "This may be an ambitious step for us when you consider the young team that we'll bring to the table, but it will give us an idea to see how our team reacts to a tournament-type atmosphere. It should be interesting and fun for the fans and players."
Illinois leads the series 10-6 and has a four-game winning streak. The Fighting Illini won the last meeting with a 53-43 verdict in Champaign during the 1981-82 season. The Billikens' last victory was a 79-64 triumph in St. Louis during the 1964-65 season. The Billikens will return the visit by playing in Champaign during the 1998-99 season. The game will be a part of the Billikens' season ticket package. Single-game ticket prices will be announced later. Single-game ticket sales are scheduled for late October.