Visa Fan Fest adds to Olympic Frenzy at Wachovia Center (June 19-22)

Fans planning to attend the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics at the Wachovia Center from June 19-22 are encouraged to arrive two hours before the start of each event to participate in the Visa Fan Fest. The multiple activities are included with each fan’s ticket, which are still available via ComcastTIX.com, 1-800-298-4200, or the Wachovia Complex Box Office.

Legendary gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, 1984 Olympic champion Mary Lou Retton, and 2004 Olympic all-around champion Carly Patterson are among the gymnastics celebrities who will participate in the family-friendly activities at the Visa Fan Fest. Fans can partake in autograph sessions, contests, giveaways, interactive games, music, food, and drink will be available. Patterson, gymnastics star turned musician, will also perform songs from her album that will be released in August.

Located outside the AT&T Pavilion on the 11th Street Side of the AT&T Pavilion, the Visa Fan Fest will be open for all fans on Thursday, June 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, June 22 from 4 p.m. 6 p.m. Fans can also enjoy the Visa Fan Fest following competition on Saturday and Sunday.

Kids can have fun and gain knowledge on the importance of fitness through the interactive Tyson Fitness Challenge Zone, which will be held at the Visa Fan Fest. The course features activity in building strength, flexibility, cardiovascular exercise and good nutrition.

Tickets for the individual sessions, ranging from $30 to $95, are on sale now via ComcastTIX.com, 1-800-298-4200, the Wachovia Center Box Office, select ACME locations, and through participating area gymnastics clubs. Visa is the only card accepted for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics.

In addition to the Visa Fan Fest, other fun activities include:
§ Renaming of Broad St., June 16. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny and legendary gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi will be on hand to rename Broad St. in honor of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics coming to Philadelphia. The ceremony will take place at City Hall at the corner of Broad St. and S. Penn Square.
§ Free pretzel giveaway, June 17. Fans will see more twists than a Philly pretzel at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, but first they can enjoy free soft pretzels, live entertainment and gymnastics demonstrations at LOVE Park (JFK Plaza).
§ In-house radio show. 2004 Olympic team silver-medalist Brett McClure, 2000 Olympian Steve McCain and Shannon Miller, the USA’s most decorated gymnast with 16 Olympic and World medals to her credit, will provide commentary on the competition on WGYM, USA Gymnastics’ in-arena radio show. Receivers for the radio program are sold along with an event program onsite.

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics begins on June 19 at 7 p.m. with the first day of the men’s competition, followed by the women on June 20 at 7 p.m. Competition for the men concludes on June 21 at 3 p.m., and the women wrap up on June 22 at 6 p.m.

Past sites for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics are: 2004, Anaheim, Calif.; 1996 and 2000, Boston; 1992, Baltimore, Md.; 1988, Salt Lake City, Utah; and 1980 and 1984, Jacksonville, Fla.

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials for all sports is a collaborative, three-way partnership between the U.S. Olympic Committee, the national governing bodies and the local organizing committees.

Monday, June 16, 2008