With 2016 marking the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, we want to make you aware of some plans for the fall to recognize, remember and honor those affiliated with the USS Arizona and anyone affected by the attacks. While a number of items are still in the works, there are a few definitives we can share.

First, the University Libraries' Special Collections will share an exhibit from Aug. 29 – Dec. 23 that will include unique photographs, printed materials and ephemera from throughout the life of the USS Arizona. Special Collections has one of the largest groupings of USS Arizona materials in the world. The first major event in conjunction with the exhibit is a Sept. 13 talk by Dr. James Delgado, Director of Maritime Heritage in the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. For more information, you can visit the Special Collections website by clicking HERE.

Second, we are planning to hold a remembrance as part of our game against Hawaii on Saturday, Sept. 17. While this is not the actual day of the Pearl Harbor attacks, we felt this game was an appropriate time for a public display of gratitude to the 1,177 USS Arizona officers and crewmen that lost their lives on that day. We'll have more details as we move closer to the game.

Third, our men's basketball team will make a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial when we're in Hawaii to play Michigan State on Nov. 11 as part of the Armed Forces Classic. This will give the young men a part of our basketball program the chance to learn more about the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona's place in history.

The USS Arizona, which was named in honor of the 48th state's admission into the union, will forever connect our state with the events that transpired on that fateful day in December 1941. We're proud to have these opportunities to recognize the ship and its crew, and look forward to sharing more details on the items listed above along with any other events that may arise.

MCDONALD'S RED-BLUE GAME TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 1

We're excited to share some information about the 2016 McDonald's Red-Blue game. This year's game will be held on Friday, Oct. 14. The game time will be determined later on this summer, but it will obviously be an evening event. Our men's basketball reunion, which happens every 10 years, will be held that same weekend. We will be recognizing various teams and will have a special recognition of the 1997 National Championship team. Hard to believe this upcoming season is going to be the 20th anniversary of that feat.

Tickets for the McDonald's Red-Blue game will go on sale Wednesday, June 1 at 9 a.m. MST. Fans can purchase tickets online at ArizonaWildcats.com, over the phone by calling (520) 621-CATS (2287), or in person at the McKale Ticket Office. New this year, we are implementing reserved tickets for the entire arena. This will alleviate some of the concerns we've heard about people standing in line for hours in the heat prior to doors opening. Make sure to mark your calendar for June 1 to get your tickets to one of Tucson's most popular events.

BEAR DOWN PRICING AVAILABLE FOR THE USC FOOTBALL GAME

Speaking of Wednesday, June 1, we are also going on sale for the Oct. 15 Family Weekend football game against USC that day. We are rolling out a new pricing model called Bear Down Pricing. This gives fans, if they choose, the option to purchase single-game tickets for this game before the July 16 general public on sale date. Predictable pricing is used through July 16, with a reduction on the ticket price every 10 days until it reaches the base level price. The prices are set higher at the earlier dates to reflect the potential demand for this game. The Family Weekend football game has historically been a very popular event. So have our home football games versus USC.

Bear Down Pricing is a new concept we are exploring to do just that. You can read more about Bear Down Pricing by clicking HERE.

SOFTBALL OFF TO SUPER REGIONALS

Our softball team will once again take part in the NCAA Super Regionals when we travel to Auburn to face the Tigers on Sat.-Sun., May 28-29. The first game is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. MST (ESPN2). The second game is scheduled for Sunday at 11 a.m. MST (ESPN) followed by an if-necessary game at 2 p.m. MST (ESPNU).

This is the 11th time our Cats have advanced to the Super Regional since this format was implemented 12 years ago. That's the second most nationally. We advanced after going 3-0 in the Knoxville Regional last weekend, which included two victories over the No. 13 seed Tennessee.

Good luck ladies.



 

WHAT'S TO COME FOR BASEBALL

Just a brief update as baseball finishes up its regular season with our final home game tonight against Abilene Christian (6 p.m. MST) and then a three-game series at Hawaii. Entering the week, we had an RPI of 25, the highest of any Pac-12 team, which should put us in good position to make the field and potentially host a regional. We'll find out the regional hosts on Sunday around 6 p.m. MST and the entire bracket will be released on Monday morning starting at 9 a.m. MST on ESPNU.

Make sure to follow @ArizonaBaseball on twitter or visit ArizonaWildcats.com for updates moving forward.

CACTUS KICKOFF TICKET UPDATE

We've shared a few updates on the Cactus Kickoff game with BYU, but as we leave you for the summer, we want to provide one more reminder. Currently, BYU has sold more tickets and we need your help to close that gap. When I first took the job at Arizona, one of the questions I heard was if we would ever play a football game in Phoenix. Now that we are, and fortunately it doesn't take away from one of our seven home games, we can't stress enough how important it is for our Phoenix fan base, and really all Wildcats, to have a strong showing.

Coach Rodriguez and his staff are giving everything they have to compete in the Pac-12 and nationally and your support goes a long way in those efforts. This game is huge for our program's momentum, recruiting, and to show the passion for Arizona football in the state. We need you at this game and we need you to bring your family and friends as well.

The game will be here before you know it, so don't wait. Get your tickets now. You can find a link to purchase plus more info at ArizonaWildcats.com/cactuskickoff.



 

PAYMENT PLANS STILL AVAILABLE

The McKale Ticket Office is now offering a summer payment plan for football season tickets. Payments for season tickets and Wildcat Club memberships purchased by June 24 can be divided into three installments over June, July and August. Any season tickets purchased between June 25 and July 22 could be divided into two installments. Call the McKale Ticket Office at (520) 621-CATS (2287) to utilize this payment plan. Remember, season tickets start at just $99 for all seven home games. We want to see you in #OURHOUSE this fall.

TWITTER GIVEAWAY

As we wrap-up the year, congratulations to Jeff Angle (@azjangle) for being selected as this month's winner of the #ByrneTwitterGiveaway. Also, congrats to all of the winners this year and thank you to everyone who participated. Jeff, a member of the athletics department staff will DM you with more information on how to secure your prize so make sure you're following @AZAthletics.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

To review the list of upcoming events, broadcast information, start times and stat links, click HERE. (Note: All times are listed as Mountain Standard Time, i.e. Tucson time.)

To purchase tickets for home events, click HERE.

To access live stats from your desktop or mobile device, visit ArizonaLiveStats.com.

WEAR THE COLORS – SHARE THE PHOTOS

Thank you for wearing the colors and sharing your Arizona pride! If your photo submission did not make this week's edition of the Wildcat Wednesday, please check our "Wildcat Wednesday" album at facebook.com/ArizonaAthletics.

NOTE: Please submit photos for Wildcat Wednesday with an original email touofaad@arizona.edu using the subject line 'Wildcat Wednesday photo.' Also, please ensure all submissions are clear and properly lit. We also ask that you identify everyone in the photo so we can highlight them accordingly.





 

Continue to do what you can to help Arizona Athletics and:
1. Accept the Bear Down Challenge
2. Buy Season Tickets
3. Wear the Colors (Especially on Friday)
4. Get Others to do the Same

Bear Down with Pride,

Greg Byrne
Vice President for Athletics
The University of Arizona
uofaad@arizona.edu