Jan. 21, 2010

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's basketball team will be taking part in the NCAA's third annual Pack the House Challenge when it hosts Penn State on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. in Crisler Arena. The competition pits all Big Ten Conference schools against each other, as well as all NCAA Division I programs against each other, to see who can "Pack the House". The Wolverines are looking to break their home attendance record, which currently stands at 5,596 against Michigan State on Jan. 13, 2008.

In addition to the Pack the House Challenge, the Wolverines will be celebrating Heart Health Awareness Day. Representatives from the American Heart Association will present information about the upcoming May 15 Heart Walk, and all fans can get their blood pressure checked at stations throughout the concourse. To honor Heart Health Awareness Day, the women's basketball team will be wearing red shoelaces and all fans will be entered in raffles to win great prizes, including autographed Biggest Loser books, M-Fit punch cards and personal training sessions.

The Wolverines will be joined by former contestants from NBC's hit show "The Biggest Loser" as well. There will be a pregame meet and greet on the concourse with season seven winner Helen Phillips, season two at-home winner Pete Thomas, season six contestants Amy and Shellay Cremen, and season seven contestant Carla Triplett. All participants in MHealthy's Active U have the opportunity for a pregame roundtable with "The Biggest Loser" participants beginning at 11 a.m. at the Junge Family Champions Center. Space is limited to the first 300 registered guests. To reserve a spot contact Katy Jackson at (734) 647-1261 or by email at katjacks@umich.edu.

The game against Penn State will also serve as Elementary School Day. The Wolverines have invited more than 9,000 local elementary school students to attend the game free of charge. The top five schools that redeem the highest percentage of vouchers will win monetary prizes for their school. Each school will also nominate a "Super Star Student" who will be recognized during the game and enjoy the women's basketball action courtside.

The first 1,000 fans into the game will receive a mini-basketball hoop, and there will be face painting, balloon animals, poster making and face tattoos on the concourse beginning at noon.

Marketing Contact: Katy Jackson (734) 647-1261
Media Contact: Jessica Poole (734) 763-4423