Penn plans promos galore

They may not be as exciting as a Michael Jordan fast break or as thrilling as a Geoff Owens rejection. And they definitely won't come close to the excitement of a victory over Princeton. But the numerous promotions and special events Penn Athletic Department officials have planned are sure to rock college basketball's most historic arena. According to Assistant Promotions Director Adam Magnus, the Athletic Department hopes to build on the Quakers hoops fans' enthusiasm from last season's Ivy League championship. "There will be far more promotions and contests this year than ever before," Magnus said. "The level of play on the court will be extremely high and we will try to get as many people as possible in the stands to enjoy it." Among the events: The Chili's Fraternity Challenge At halftime of each home game, two fraternities will compete in a halftime three-point shootout. Four members from each fraternity's team will have one minute to sink as many treys as possible. The two fraternity teams that score the most points will face off in a championship round during halftime of the Princeton game, with the winning team earning dinner for its entire house at Chili's. The Susquehanna Shootout Also during halftime of each home game, three randomly chosen Penn hoops fans will get a chance to win up to $10,000 from Susquehanna Investments. If they make a three-point shot, they will receive a $100 gift certificate to the Penn Bookstore. Those who make the three-pointer will have the opportunity to launch one shot from half-court for the big money prize. First Union Scoring Competition One Penn fan at each home game will have the opportunity to win $5,000 from First Union bank if they can make four shots in 30 seconds. Participants must make a lay-up, free throw, three-pointer and half-court shot to win the money. US Airways Night at the Palestra At one home game this season, Penn fans will be given a blank sheet of US Airways stationery to craft their own aerodynamic entry in a halftime paper airplane competition. The person whose plane makes it closest to a target at center court will get a free round-trip ticket courtesy of the airline. Panhel Night at the Palestra Penn sorority sisters will be involved in selling tickets to the March 3 basketball game against Brown, with a portion of the ticket proceeds going to charity. And at halftime of that game, a special tug-of-war competition between members of different sororities will take place. · In addition, Magnus said there are a few events still in the works -- including two theme nights which have not yet been determined. At every home game, First Union Bank and The Philadelphia Inquirer will sponsor a raffle in which approximately 10 lucky Penn fans will win prizes, including T-shirts and gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses. Four times during the season, Penn students will receive raffle tickets in the mail which they can drop off at the Palestra to be eligible for the drawing.

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