Press Conference Audio Clip
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• U of L AD Tom Jurich, Louisville Arena Authority Chairman Jim Host
  & U of L Associate AD Gary Friedman

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville has announced plans to begin sales of lower-level, side-court club seats in the new Louisville Downtown Arena, scheduled to open in November of 2010. The Cardinals' men's and women's basketball teams will be the primary tenants in the facility.

"We're thrilled that we will be moving into such a state-of-the-art facility," said U of L Vice President and Director of Athletics Tom Jurich. "With this move comes a great opportunity for U of L fans to get wonderful basketball seats over two years before we open the doors to the building. We know the demand will be tremendous for these side-court club seats."

Monday's announcement of the planned arena bonding structure and obtaining a bond insurer spurred the timing for moving forward with the club seat sales.

With a total seating capacity of over 22,000 seats in the new arena, approximately 2,000 are located in the club section. Club seat holders will have access to an exclusive lounge beneath the stands at court level, as well as premium parking privileges. Cardinal fans with club seats will also have the first opportunity to purchase their tickets to other sporting events, concerts, family shows, and other performances held in the arena.

Gary Friedman, U of L's Associate Athletic Director for Development, agreed that the option to purchase seating for other events held in the facility was a driving factor behind seat sales. "No question, the ability for someone to buy concert tickets or other events - along with having access to all U of L basketball games and other amenities - makes these club seats unbelievably attractive."

"After 15 months of gearing our efforts toward fulfilling the needs of any Cardinal Athletic Fund donor who wanted premium seats in both facilities, we are now ready to make these premium seating packages available to anyone interested in obtaining some of the best seats in the new arena," said Friedman.

U of L has worked closely with its Arena Transition Committee on the seating options in the new arena. The committee is a group of current Cardinal season ticket holders who are aiding U of L officials on the process of moving into the new facility.

Those interested in obtaining club seats in the new downtown arena should contact the Cardinal Athletic Fund at (502) 852-5735 to secure their seats. Pricing structures for other areas within the new arena have not been established.