Oct. 15, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The 2002 BB&T Classic features local host schools, George Washington and the defending national champions, Maryland, welcoming Texas and Notre Dame for a two-day college basketball tournament at MCI Center on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8.

Saturday's double-header begins at 1 p.m. Day one games include the national champs meeting Notre Dame and the GW Colonials playing Texas. The consolation game on Sunday will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the championship game at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Tickets for all four tournament games are $75, $50, $40 and $20 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster at 202-432-SEAT or ticketmaster.com.

Maryland students and Terrapin Club members may purchase tickets direct from the Terrapin Ticket Office by calling 301-314-7070.

Proceeds from the BB&T Classic benefit the Children's Charities Foundation (CCF) of Greater Washington, D.C. Founded in 1994, the CCF has distributed nearly $4 million dollars to over 100 area charitable organizations. A pre-tournament gala, known as the BasketBall also benefits CCF. This year's gala featuring entertainment by The Beach Boys will be held on Friday, December 5 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. For gala information, call 410-448-0700.

The BB&T Classic is sponsored by Subway, Wilson, D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission and Sallie Mae.