Miners Tickets go on Sale
July 21, 2007 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
East Kentucky Miners News Release
PIKEVILLE, KY. - Professional basketball arrived in Pikeville and all of Eastern Kentucky on an official note Thursday, July 19 when the East Kentucky Miners met media and fans during a press conference at the East Kentucky Expo Center. The Continental Basketball Association (CBA) expansion team will play its home games at the East Kentucky Expo Center during the 2007-08 season, its debut campaign. Excitement for the team's inaugural first season continues to build as numerous fans turned out for the 7:30 p.m. press conference. Expo Center General Manager Steve St. John opened the press conference by welcoming the team to Pikeville and Eastern Kentucky. During the event, Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford awarded members of the Miners organization with a proclamation, commemorating the team's arrival in Pikeville. Jay Fiedler and Demetrius Ford, co-founders of Trinity Sports & Entertainment Group, Inc., owners of the East Kentucky Miners, also accepted a Key to the City from Pikeville City Manager Donovan Blackburn. Pikeville Mayor Frank Justice was present at the event, joining many local dignitaries in welcoming the CBA expansion team. "This is your team," Fiedler told the press conference crowd, which included members of the media and diehard basketball fans. "Like the miners of this region, we are digging deep. We are going to dig deep to get the support of everyone in the region. We want everyone to come out and take ownership of this franchise." Ford shared Fiedler's enthusiasm in front of the East Kentucky contingent.
""We know that we are going to get fans here, but what we really need is support," said Ford. "If you're a business owner, buy some tickets for your employees and get them out here. If you're charitable, buy some tickets for the youth at the YMCA and get them out here. Tell your friends to come out and support the Miners." East Kentucky Miners President and General Manager Rob Blackwell followed Fiedler and Ford at the podium, touting the East Kentucky basketball franchise's opportunity for growth. Blackwell, who has enjoyed significant success in athletics and business, also invited those in attendance to support the team and help it grow. "As an organization, we are committed to being here," said Blackwell, a former CBA player. "We want to get out in the community and the surrounding area and get everyone involved."
Miners Coach Kevin Keathley, an Eastern Kentucky native, promoted an exciting up-and-down the floor brand of basketball. Keathley promised quality players both on and off the court as well. "We're going to play an exciting brand of basketball, I can guarantee you that," said Keathley. "Hold me to it. The bottom line is that we're going to get up and down the floor. These guys we bring in are going to be good players and good citizens."
Representing the Continental Basketball Association were President and CEO of CBA Properties Ricardo Richardson and Vice President of Basketball Operations Dennis Truax. Both Richardson and Truax also spoke during the press conference.Ford, during his time at the podium, recognized Nolan Baynes, President of Converge Entertainment. Converge Entertainment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trinity Sports & Entertainment Group, and the exclusive entertainment partner of the CBA.
Miners season tickets were available for purchase at the Expo Center beginning late Thursday evening. Southeast Telephone President Darrell Maynard took advantage of the early opportunity to acquire Miners season tickets. Maynard made history for the franchise and himself, becoming the first person to purchase season tickets. For his monumental purchase, Maynard was recognized on a couple of different occasions during the press conference. Season tickets remain on sale and may be ordered by calling the East Kentucky Expo Center (606-444-5500). The Miners will hold their inaugural free agent camps Aug. 4-5 at the Pikeville College Gym.
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Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from July 21, 2007
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