Nashville, February 25, 2010 - Grand Ole Opry member Carrie Underwood and 2010 Academy of Country Music Award Newcomer nominee Luke Bryan, sports celebrities and popular personalities will return to Nashville’s Greer Stadium to bat for City of Hope at the 20th Anniversary Nashville Celebrity Softball Challenge on Monday, June 7, at 7 p.m. Rival teams Grand Ole Opry Live and After MidNite with Blair Garner will challenge each other in a fun-filled evening of softball stunts and pranks. Tickets are available now for $20 per person or $60 for a “Family Four Pack” at www.cityofhope.org/softballtickets or by calling Ticketmaster at 615-255-9600. Group prices are also available. All ticket sales will be donated to City of Hope.
This year marks 20 years of dedicated support from country music stars and celebrities who have joined together to benefit City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer research, treatment and education centers. The Celebrity Softball Challenge in Nashville takes place during the same week as the four-day CMA Music Fest, which began in 1972. In addition to Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, other players in the all-star line up for the game will be announced in the coming months. An online auction of exclusive autographed memorabilia will be posted after the game at www.auctionsforhope.org.
“Game day is always packed with excitement and anticipation, knowing that everyone is coming together to support City of Hope’s lifesaving research and treatment programs,” said Blair Garner, creator, After MidNite with Blair Garner. “This year, After MidNite is back in the game and ready to take on Grand Ole Opry like we have never before.”
“We’re proud to support City of Hope’s efforts to make cancer a curable and ultimately preventable disease,” said Pete Fisher, vice president and general manager, Grand Ole Opry. “We’ll show our fans how much we appreciate their support in helping us win the battle against cancer - by keeping our team’s winning title.”
For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the Nashville Celebrity Softball Challenge, visit www.cityofhope.org/softball.