truebluefan

AUSTIN, Texas, October 24, 2006 - The Austin Toros invite current and potential season ticket holders and basketball fans to attend a Free Open House and Youth Clinic Saturday, October 28 from noon-4 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Toros individual game tickets will also go on sale for the 2006-07 season Saturday morning at all local RunTex stores.

"As we continue to introduce more of the local community to our league and the Toros we want to giveback to our fans and create a fun, free experience where families and local businesses can check out our great home court at the Austin Convention Center," said team president Mike Berry. "We are very excited to offer our individual game tickets through RunTex via our ticketing partner, Gettix.net. RunTex is an industry leader and has a tremendous Austin-based brand. They will be an invaluable partner in helping us reach a broader base of fans and families throughout the region.

The Open House event will provide fans an opportunity to view the intimate seating atmosphere of the Austin Toros' home court. Plus, fans that purchase a season ticket package on Saturday will have the opportunity to select their seat location for the 2006-07 season.

The event begins with dance team auditions for the Jr. Toros Dance Team beginning at 12:15 p.m. The Jr. Toros Dance Team will participate in cheer and dance routines at four to six Toros home games. Potential members will include boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 13.

Local singers can join in the fun during the team's National Anthem auditions set to begin at 12:30 p.m. Vocalists will be asked to sing The National Anthem on-court and will be judged on pitch, lyrics and stage presentation. Two winners will be selected and will perform The Star Spangled Banner prior to a designated Toros home game.

Area youth can further become a part of the Toros game-day fun by participating in the Jr. Announcer auditions beginning at 2:15 p.m. Toros fans between the ages of 7-15 years old will have the opportunity to work with the team's official public address announcer throughout the 2006-07 season.

The highlight of the day will be a free youth basketball clinic with instruction by Toros head coach Dennis Johnson. Kids of all ages are invited to learn basketball skills and techniques from the NBA great beginning at 1:15 p.m.

The afternoon concludes with an intrasquad basketball scrimmage featuring the 2006-07 Westlake High School (Chaps) boys team scheduled to tip off at 2:45 p.m.

In addition to the basketball clinic and auditions, kids will enjoy a host of other exciting activities including face painting, interactive inflatable games, basketball games and prizes. The concession stands will be open throughout the event and will offer a $1 discounted menu of hot dogs, popcorn and soda courtesy of Aramark and the Austin Convention Center. Team apparel will also be available for purchase. Youth Clinic and Jr. Toros Dance team tryout participants are encouraged to register for the day's activities at 236-8333.

Toros season ticket and Flex-book (ten game voucher books) packages are available now and offer numerous personal, group and corporate entertainment options.

The Austin Toros home opener is Saturday, Nov. 25 against the Fort Worth Flyers at the Austin Convention Center. The regular season tips off Friday, Nov. 24 in New Mexico against the defending D-League Champion Albuquerque Thunderbirds. For ticket information, log on to austintoros.com or call (512) 236-8333.