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Wildcat Wednesday

Wildcat Wednesday - Extending Mike Candrea and Jay Johnson

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EXTENDING MIKE CANDREA AND JAY JOHNSON
 
We were finally in position to announce some great news earlier this week when we shared that both our head softball coach Mike Candrea and head baseball coach Jay Johnson have agreed to extensions through the 2022 season. We'd been hinting at this a little bit over the last month or so, but finally got the details together to feel comfortable announcing.
 
Both programs are currently competing for Pac-12 and National Championships and we want to make sure that continues. To that end, we felt it was important to show our commitment with these extensions, while exploring ways to invest in the programs. In addition to the extensions, we're in the process of evaluating potential renovation opportunities at Hillenbrand Stadium, while Hi Corbett Field has seen a number of upgrades completed and others ongoing. This combination of initiatives will continue to keep these programs competitive and offer each one the best chance for success.
 
For Coach Candrea, his track record speaks for itself. This extension is about retaining the greatest softball coach in the sport's history, making sure he knew we were committed to the softball program, and that we'll do everything we can to support it. We've been lucky to have Mike lead the program for 32 years and we're excited that he'll continue in that role well into the future. If you'd like to read our full release on the Candrea extension, click HERE.
 
For Coach Johnson, his success in the first two seasons made him one of the hottest head coaches in the country. It seemed any time a head-coaching position came open, Jay was one of the first people named as an option, not necessarily because he was interested, but because he has done such an outstanding job. We knew we wanted Jay to be our head coach for a long time, so we've been working on this extension and are ecstatic that he'll remain a Wildcat. If you'd like to read our full release on the Johnson extension, click HERE.
 
We feel really good about this news and the direction of both our softball and baseball teams. We're fortunate to have two of the very best leading those programs.
 
JOIN US AT BROTHER JOHN'S BBQ FOR COACH RODRIGUEZ'S RADIO SHOW
 
With football season inching closer, we want to make sure you're aware that the Rich Rodriguez Coaches Show is changing locations and will now be held at Brother John's BBQ (1801 N. Stone Ave.). The show, which is presented by Crest Insurance, will start on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. and will air each week prior to our 12 regular-season games.
 
Here's a look at the weekly schedule so you can mark the show dates on your calendar. Each show will begin at 7 p.m.:
 
Tuesday, Aug. 29 – NAU 
Tuesday, Sept. 5 – Houston 
Tuesday, Sept. 12 – at UTEP
Tuesday, Sept. 19 – Utah 
Tuesday, Oct. 3 – at Colorado 
Tuesday, Oct. 10 – UCLA 
Tuesday, Oct. 17 – at California
Tuesday, Oct. 24 – Washington State
Monday, Oct. 30 – at USC (Note: This episode will take place on Monday.)
Tuesday, Nov. 7 – Oregon State
Tuesday, Nov.  14 – at Oregon 
Tuesday, Nov.  21 – at Arizona State
 
A COUPLE OF ITEMS ON MEN'S BASKETBALL
 
Our men's basketball team continues to enjoy its trip to Spain and finished its second of three games earlier today. We defeated the Mataro All-Stars in Barcelona after opening the tour with a win over Combinado Valenciano in Valencia on Sunday. We'll wrap up the competition schedule with a game against Mataro Parc Boet on Friday before returning to the desert shortly thereafter. If you'd like to continue following along with the team, visit arizonawildcats.com/spain.
 
Game Information
Aug. 13: vs. Combinado Valenciano (Recap | Box Score | Highlights | Replay)
Aug. 16: vs. Mataro All-Stars (Recap | Box Score | Replay)
Aug. 18: vs. Mataro Parc Boet (Tip: 10:10 a.m. MST) (Live Stream: FloSports)
 
As a reminder, a third-party company, FloSports, is producing the subscription-based live stream. For more information, click HERE.
 
On another note, a few weeks ago, we announced that we'll be taking on Texas A&M at Talking Stick Resort in Phoenix on Tuesday, Dec. 5 as part of the Valley of the Sun Shootout. The doubleheader includes our game, which will tip at 7 p.m., and a match-up between Grand Canyon and St. John's, which will tip-off at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase by clicking HERE, so make your plans now as this should be a great night of basketball in the Valley.
 
Finally, we received word that our opening-round opponent at the Battle 4 Atlantis will be N.C. State. We'll take on the Wolfpack at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22. There's another strong field headed to the Bahamas, so it should be a great couple days of competition.
 
FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS, OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE INCLUDING REPLY BUY
 
We're just over two weeks away from the Sept. 2 football opener vs. NAU. The practices are getting more intense and the depth chart is starting to take shape as we approach kickoff. We want to remind you football season tickets are still available and start at just $99 for all six home games. Now is as good a time as ever to become a season ticket holder, so show your support for our program by clicking HERE to buy.
 
If season tickets just aren't an option, go to ArizonaWildcats.com/fb and take a look at the other options we have available. Three-game mini-plans start at just $52 and we still have a few Wildcat Experience Passes available for sale.
 
Another great option is Reply Buy. We've recently renewed our partnership with Reply Buy, a program that allows you to buy tickets through your mobile phone with a simple text. You can sign up for the service by texting CATS to 20123 and register with a credit card. You'll be sent text messages with ticket offers. Just reply "BUY CATS" and the number of tickets you desire and you're done. Your card will be charged and you'll receive a link to download the tickets to your phone. You can also sign up online by clicking HERE. New users can receive a $10 credit to use towards football tickets. 
 
CRUISE TO ARIZONA STADIUM FROM PHOENIX
 
We're excited to share some good news for our Phoenix area Wildcats fans. We are going to continue to partner with Bon Voyage Travel to provide the Cat Cruiser bus transportation to and from our home football games. Fans from The Valley will have two routes to choose from. You'll arrive at Arizona Stadium about two hours before kickoff and will be back on the road 30 minutes after the game ends. New for this year, we're offering a bundle package that reserves a spot on the bus for all six home games. Bundle packages are $120 and single-pass tickets are $25. Click HERE for more information or to sign up.
 
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
 
Women's basketball is excited to begin year two under head coach Adia Barnes and we're looking forward to seeing you back in McKale this season. The team has several new faces this season and the coaching staff cannot wait for you to see them in action. Season tickets are on sale now, with ticket prices remaining the same, beginning as low as $75 for adults and $64 for youth (3-12) and seniors (55+). For tickets or more information, call (520) 621-CATS or click HERE.

SOCCER TO HOST A FRIENDLY VS. CHINESE SQUAD BEIJING NORMAL
 
Soccer will be back at Mulcahy Stadium on Monday, Aug. 21 to host a friendly match against Beijing Normal University at 6 p.m. Come "Experience It Yourself" as we welcome back all Arizona students to campus. Remember, Zona Zoo members and incoming undergraduate students can attend all soccer matches at no additional charge. There will also be free pizza for all students, while supplies last. Season tickets are available for only $45 for adults, $39 for seniors (55+) and $25 for youth (3-12). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ArizonaWildcats.com/SOC or click HERE.
 
TWITTER GIVEAWAY
 
We know everyone likes to show their Wildcat pride, so we're going to continue with the monthly Twitter giveaway to some nice prizes in your hands. Once a month, we'll provide a phrase accompanied by the twitter handle @Dave_Heeke and the hashtag #HeekeTwitterGiveaway for Wildcat Wednesday subscribers to tweet. We'll select the winner at random and announce in a Wildcat Wednesday the following month.
 
A member of the athletics department staff will direct message the winner with more information on how to secure the prize, so make sure you're following @AZAthletics.
 
Here is this month's Twitter giveaway message:
 
I have my @ArizonaFBall season tickets and will see you at Arizona Stadium on Sept. 2.
@Dave_Heeke #HeekeTwitterGiveaway

 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
 
To view 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 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 on Fridays.
 
NOTE: Please submit photos for Wildcat Wednesday with an original email to uofaad@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.
 
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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,

Dave Heeke
Director of Athletics
University of Arizona
uofaad@arizona.edu
 
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