Thompson-Boling Arena will be a sea of pink when the Lady Vols host the Duke Blue Devils on Monday, Feb. 16. The game, part of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s 2009 Pink Zone campaign, is aimed at raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond.
"This is one of the most exciting games of the year. Not only are we playing a great team, but we will be promoting an important cause," said Pat Summitt, head coach for the Lady Vol basketball program. "This game is set for a national stage on ESPN2 and our fans will have the opportunity to show the country their commitment to breast cancer awareness."
As part of the LIVE PINK campaign, a mobile mammography unit will be on site providing mammograms from 5 to 7 p.m.
"This is such a great opportunity for us to partner with community organizations that work year-round to promote breast cancer awareness and support those who have been diagnosed with the disease," said Joan Cronan, women’s athletic director.
"We are working with the Knoxville affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation to host two breast cancer survivors that night as guest coaches," Cronan said. "Anyone can submit their story to survivorstory@komenknoxville.org and the committee will pick two to participate that night."
In the United States, someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes, and a woman will die from breast cancer every 13 minutes. This year approximately 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer; and of those, more than 450 will die. Together the WBCA, UT Lady Vols and the Knoxville affiliate of "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" are doing their part to make the community aware and contribute to breast cancer research that brings scientists one step closer to finding a cure.
Tickets for the game are available at the Thompson-Boling Arena ticket office, by phone at (800) 332-VOLS or (865) 656-1200, or online at www.utladyvols.com.