CAMBRIDGE, Mass.? Friendship Cottage Cheese will again be the title sponsor of the 2008 America East Women’s Basketball Championship at the University of Hartford, it was announced today by Patrick Nero, Commissioner of America East. The event, which is now known as the America East Women’s Basketball Championship Presented by Friendship Cottage Cheese, will be held at the 3,977-seat Chase Arena at the Reich Family Pavilion. It is the sixth time in the last seven years that Friendship Cottage Cheese has served as the title sponsor. Friendship Cottage Cheese has sponsored each of the championships played in Hartford since 2002.
“We are excited to again partner with Friendship Cottage Cheese for the 2008 America East Women’s Basketball Championship at Hartford,” said Nero. “Friendship’s support helps us continue to present our premier event in a fashion consistent with the high-quality of play on the court. We are thankful to Friendship’s commitment to women’s athletics and endorse its ?Be Natural’ campaign promoting healthy living through nutrition, exercise and a balanced lifestyle.”
The nine-team tournament in 2008 begins with a first-round game on Thursday, March 13. Quarterfinal and semifinal games follow on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15, respectively. The championship game will be played Sunday, March 16. All semifinal games as well as the championship games will be produced by America East and ESPN Regional Television and broadcast on NESN, among other outlets.
“We have such great admiration for the University of Hartford women’s basketball program and Jennifer Rizzotti,” said Joseph Murgolo, President of Friendship Dairies. “The dedication and determination, exemplified by their successful track record, is an inspiration to us all. We are proud to help support Hartford and the 2008 America East Championship.”
Hartford attracted more than 33,000 fans to the championships at Chase Arena at the Reich Family Pavilion from 2002-06. The Hawks drew nearly 19,000 fans to campus last season for 14 home games.
“We are proud to have the America East Women’s Basketball Championship back in Hartford, made possible by the continued support of Friendship Dairies and Joe Murgolo,” said Patricia H. Meiser, Director of Athletics and Special Assistant to the President at Hartford. “Friendship has been a large part of the success of Hartford women’s basketball because of its commitment to our student-athletes and coach Rizzotti.”
America East has enjoyed tremendous success in women’s basketball in recent years. Hartford became just the second team in league history to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament with an upset win over Temple in 2006. Last season, the Hawks advanced to the second-round of the Preseason and Postseason WNIT and should be among the favorites heading into this season.
“Over the past seven years, our relationship with Friendship Dairies has been paramount to the success of University of Hartford women’s basketball in the post-season,” said Jennifer Rizzotti, head coach at Hartford. “Their willingness to sponsor the America East Tournament here in Hartford so we can compete on our home court has helped us advance to all three of our NCAA tournament appearances. The support they have given our program truly embodies the spirit of women’s college basketball.”
In addition to its title sponsorship, Friendship Cottage Cheese will receive inclusion in the official women’s basketball championship logo as well as signage, advertising, and ticket and VIP packages at the championship. Friendship will also be included in a multi-platform advertising campaign which will combine print, television and web site exposure.
America East will consist of nine teams for the 2007-08 season: Albany, Binghamton, Boston University, Hartford, Maine, UMBC, New Hampshire, Stony Brook and Vermont.
Game times and ticket information for the America East Women’s Basketball Championship Presented by Friendship Cottage Cheese will be announced at a later date.
For more information on America East women’s basketball, including the latest news and schedule, please visit AmericaEast.com.