Nov. 30, 2008

DETROIT, Mich. - Michigan State will face top-ranked North Carolina next Wednesday, Dec. 3 at Ford Field in Detroit as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Spartans are currently ranked No. 5 in The Associated Press Top 25 and No. 6 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll, while the Tar Heels are a unanimous No. 1 in both polls. Ford Field will serve as host of the 2009 Final Four.

Tickets are still available for the top-10 battle, with prices starting at $9. Many good seats are available and tickets may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, any Ticketmaster location, Ford Field Box Office or at Ford Field on game day.

Basketball Hall of Famer and Michigan State All-American Earvin "Magic" Johnson will be in attendance at Wednesday's game. He will be signing copies of his latest book 32 Ways To Be A Champion In Business prior to the contest inside the North Gate entrance to Ford Field (at Section 127).

Michigan State and North Carolina are two of the premier programs in college basketball. In addition to this year's great squads, the two schools boast a rich basketball tradition. The two programs have a combined six NCAA Championships and 23 Final Four appearances, including 17 by UNC. In just the last 10 years, they have combined for seven Final Four appearances, including four by Michigan State, the most in the nation over the last 10 season.

Both Michigan State and North Carolina hope to make this the first of three games at Ford Field this season, as both teams have their sights set on the Final Four. This year's Michigan State squad returns three starters from a squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 and won 27 games. Led by junior Raymar Morgan and sophomore Kalin Lucas, the Spartans figure to be ready for another deep run in the tournament. North Carolina returns all five starters and their top six scorers from a 2008 squad that won 36 games and advanced to the Final Four. The Tar Heels are led by senior Tyler Hansbrough, the 2007-08 National Player of the Year.

The NCAA will be on hand at Wednesday's game as the contest marks the final basketball game at the site before the 2009 Final Four. At 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, Keri Gaither, Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President, University of Detroit Mercy; Detroit Local Organizing Committee (DLOC) Chair, Tom Jernstedt, Executive Vice President, NCAA, Tom Lewand, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The Detroit Lions and Ford Field, and Bill Ryan, Executive Director, DLOC will conduct a press conference as the start of March Madness will be just 100 days away. At that time, the DLOC will announce plans for the activities surrounding the Men's Final Four, including the Championship, community events, youth outreach and volunteer opportunities.

Info on 32 Ways To Be A Champion In Business: As a young man, Earvin "Magic" Johnson admired his father and other small-town entrepreneurs who created jobs and served as leaders in his Midwestern community. He worked for them, watched them, and his interest in building communities through economic development grew even while his basketball career flourished. His fame as an NBA star gave him access to some of the most successful business leaders in the country. It was Earvin's own entrepreneurial spirit that inspired them to serve as his mentors.

Johnson made the transition from great athlete to greater entrepreneur through hard work and by avidly pursuing opportunities. He recognized that densely populated urban communities were ripe for commercial and residential development. He partnered with major brands like Starbucks, 24 Hour Fitness, and T.G.I. Friday's to lead a major economic push in these communities. The success of his businesses proved that ethnically diverse urban residents would welcome and support major brands if given the opportunity. Johnson continues to be a leader of urban economic development that provides jobs, goods, and a new spirit of community.

32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business will inspire and enlighten readers who wish to make a similar impact with their careers and business endeavors. For more information or to purchase your copy go to magicjohnsonenterprises.com.

Ticket and Game Information:
- Tickets start at $9
- Ford Field Box Office at #313.262.2145
- Group Tickets available at #313.262.2002

Ford Field Facts:
- 2003 Basketbowl at Ford Field had record breaking attendance with 78,129
- First time Ford Field will host an ACC / Big Ten Challenge
- Gates at 7 p.m.
- Tipoff at 9:15 p.m.
- 7 p.m. Full Concessions (including alcohol) will be available

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