The Official Entertainment Guide of CONSOL Energy Center
FALL | 2015
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FALL 2015 EDITION IN THIS ISSUE
3 17 19
Penguins Season Kicks Off with Great Matchups Calendar of Events Building Information
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23
CONSOL Energy Center Concessions
24
CONSOL Energy Center Seating Chart
26
Jeff Dunham Returns for New Year’s Eve
35
Love Ran Red Tour to Play Final Concert in Pittsburgh
43
Sports, Concert Favorites Brighten Holiday Season
58
‘Unbreakable’ Janet Jackson to Play for Fans in Pittsburgh
61
WWE Executive Joins Board to Fight Childhood Cancer
Show Time is published quarterly for free distribution on a first-come, first-served basis to fans and guests at CONSOL Energy Center events, First Niagara Bank branch locations, the Cambria Suites at CONSOL Energy Center, the Marriott City Center and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of CONSOL Energy Center is prohibited. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in Show Time, please contact info@pittsburghpenguins.com and we will contact you to discuss available opportunities.
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©2015 CONSOL Energy Center
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GET YOUR PENGUINS BEANIE HAT NOW.
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ALWAYS ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Beer. ©2015 Labatt USA, Buffalo, NY. All Rights Reserved. *TM Labatt Brewing Company. While supplies last.
PENGUINS SEASON KICKS OFF WITH GREAT MATCHUPS By: Bob Grove
The first five years of CONSOL Energy Center have produced plenty of warm entertainment memories, and many of those came on nights when the temperature dropped to accommodate the ice surface on which the Penguins have solidified their decades-old reputation for exciting hockey. Now that there’s a chill back in the air, it’s only natural to expect more. In a National Hockey League brimming with head-turning talent, the Penguins nevertheless push an inimitable cast onto the ice here for every home game. Centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, now in their 11th and 10th seasons, respectively, are still prompting looks of disbelief from fans who thought they’d seen it all. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is coming off arguably his best season, and dynamic defenseman Kris Letang is battling back from a numbing series of health issues and looks ready to play as many minutes as needed. Continued on page 4
The Penguins last three seasons have produced the two longest home winning streaks in their 48-year history.
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Phil Kessel brings speed and a wrist shot that routinely renders goaltenders helpless.
Continued from page 3
Add the summer acquisitions of winger Phil Kessel, who brings not only speed but a wrist shot that routinely renders goaltenders helpless, and veteran checking forward Eric Fehr, mix in the promise of second-year defenseman Derrick Pouliot and you’ve got a recipe for goals. And victories, right here in a rink where the Penguins in the last three Kessel is of seasons alone have produced the two the NHL’s best longest home winning streaks in their 48-year history. goal-scorers. Pittsburgh fans will get a nice, long look at coach Mike Johnston’s 2015-16 team right at the start of the season, as the Oct. 13 home opener against the Montreal Canadiens also serves as the start of a five-game homestand – the longest in team history to come that early in the season. The homestand has a heavy Canadian flavor, as the Penguins host the Ottawa Senators two nights later and then face Toronto on Oct. 17 in a game that will be must-watch programming for millions of Maple Leafs fans north of the border. Kessel, a 28-year-old Wisconsin native, established himself as one of the NHL’s best goal-scorers during six seasons with the Leafs before coming to Pittsburgh in a six-player deal last July. He scored 30 or more goals four times during that span while the Leafs qualified for the post-season just once along the way, and he is widely anticipated to bid for the 40-goal mark while playing with Crosby, Malkin and a Pittsburgh team that is a perennial force on the power play. Kessel prepared for the season by training with former Penguins’ winger Gary Roberts, a decision that has served many other NHLers well in recent years. Continued on page 7
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PARTY WITH THE
PENGUINS
ENJOY FIRST CLASS AMENITIES WITH YOUR GROUP OF 40 TO 160 IN THE JIM BEAM® MAKE HISTORY™ PARTY SUITES. YOUR GAME EVENT INCLUDES:
Delicious Buffet Dinner • Penguins Hat for All Guests Flat Screen Televisions • Great View of the Action
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS EXCITING CLUB: 412.642.PENS | premiumseating@pittsburghpenguins.com
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Former Penguin Jaromir Jagr and the Florida Panthers will heat things up in October.
Continued from page 4
The early homestand concludes with a game against Florida, which features 2015 Rookie of the Year Aaron Ekblad on defense and seemingly ageless former Penguin Jaromir Jagr on the wing, and another against Dallas. The Stars missed the playoffs last season but were active in the off-season, adding three players who won the Stanley Cup with Chicago last June in goaltender Antti Niemi, forward Patrick Sharp and defenseman Johnny Oduya. They join a roster that already includes defending NHL scoring champion Jamie Benn and creative forward Tyler Seguin. Continued on page 8
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Continued from page 7
One game Penguins’ fans have circled on their calendars comes Oct. 29 when the Buffalo Sabres travel to Pittsburgh. It will mark the return to town of Dan Byslma, who coached the Penguins to the 2009 Stanley Cup and was hired this summer to lead the rebuilding efforts of a Buffalo franchise that has missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. The return of Bylsma may be greeted with an ovation from local fans, who will also be anxious that night to see No. 2 overall 2015 NHL Draft choice Jack Eichel, around whom the Sabres’ rebuilding will take place. The Penguins will resume their burgeoning rivalry with the Columbus Blue Jackets here on Nov. 13. The Jackets, coming off a season in which they were devastated by injuries and missed the playoffs, are expected to be among the challengers for the Metropolitan Division title this season after adding Pittsburgh native Brandon Saad in a trade with defending champion Chicago. The 23-year-old Saad already has two Cup rings and a reputation as a big-game player, and he joins a group of forwards which, when healthy, is as deep as any in the league.
Fleury is coming off arguably his best season.
Continued on page 11
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NEW FOR THE 2015.16 SEASON
EXECUTIVE SUITE RENTAL YOUR EXECUTIVE SUITE RENTAL INCLUDES: 16 tickets in an Executive Suite (Located on the PNC Legends Level) Penguins hat for each guest Access to all arena clubs Three garage parking passes
For more information, please visit pittsburghpenguins.com 412.642.PENS | premiumseating@pittsburghpenguins.com | Follow us @PensPremium
2015.16
PROMOTIONAL
SCHEDULE OCT 13 Penguins
Schedule Magnet Presented by Trib Total Media
OCT 15 Penguins Team Calendar
NOV 19 Penguins Yearbook Presented by CONSOL Energy
DEC 21 Penguins Ugly Sweater Knit Hat
Presented by Highmark
Presented by CONSOL Energy
OCT 20 Penguins Selfie Stick
JAN 26 Penguins Knit Beanie
OCT 22 Penguins Cancer Awareness Tumbler
FEB 8 Penguins Check Your Heart Workout Band
Presented by Verizon
Presented by UPMC CancerCenter
NOV 17 Marc-Andre Fleury Bobblehead
Presented by Highmark
Presented by UPMC Heart & Vascular Institute
Presented by Trib Total Media
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
FEB 29 Penguins Sock Penguin
Presented by Trib Total Media
MAR 15 Penguins Baseball Cap Presented by CONSOL Energy
MAR 29 Pennsylvania Lottery Coupon*
Presented by PA Lottery
APR 2 Penguins Fan Appreciation Night
Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods * Given only to fans ages 18 and older in attendance
412.642.PENS pittsburghpenguins.com DICK’S Sporting Goods Box Office Pittsburgh Area Ticketmaster Outlets
Continued from page 8
November brings a four-game homestand played exclusively against Western Conference teams, beginning with a Nov. 17 matchup with the Minnesota Wild – coached by Mike Yeo, who was Bylsma’s assistant coach for their incredible 2009 post-season run. The Colorado Avalanche will be in town two nights later, followed by a San Jose team that has won 17 of its last 21 games against the Penguins. The homestand concludes Nov. 25 with the Penguins’ traditional Thanksgiving Eve game, this one against the St. Louis Blues. Pittsburgh has played at home for 10 of its last 12 Thanksgiving Eve games, winning three of the last four. The only loss in that span came against the Blues in 2011. Continued on page 12
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December hosts the rivalry with Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. Continued from page 11
The Penguins’ matchup here Nov. 28 against Edmonton will be a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast and the first chance for Pittsburgh fans to get a first-hand look at Oilers’ center Connor McDavid. McDavid was the top pick in
Former Penguins Orpik and Niskanen joined Washington last season, adding more fuel to the rivalry. this summer’s draft after putting up 120 points in 47 games with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League last season, and he is widely considered the most talented player to enter the league since Crosby. The Western Conference flavor of the home schedule will continue with a Dec. 11 matchup against the Los Angeles Kings before Alexander Continued on page 14
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Be sure to check the starting 22 23 time of every game at 29 30 pittsburghpenguins.com before heading to CONSOL Energy Center!
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NOVEMBER
Game dates, times, and opponents 8 9 are subject to change.
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HOME AWAY PROMOTION
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GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! pittsburghpenguins.com • 412.642.PENS DICK’S Sporting Goods Box Office • Pittsburgh Area Ticketmaster Outlets
Former Penguins forward Max Talbot returns with the Bruins in December.
Continued from page 13
Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals play here on Dec. 14. The Penguins’ rivalry with the Capitals was very much alive and healthy before former Penguins Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen joined Washington as free agents last season, and their presence has added even more flavor to a matchup that always revolves around Crosby and Ovechkin. Last season, Ovechkin won his fifth career Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal-scorer. The Penguins conclude the 2015 portion of their home schedule with games against Boston Dec. 18, Jordan Staal and Carolina Dec. 19 and Toronto again, the latter game coming on Dec. 30. In a strange twist, the Penguins do not host their biggest rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, until Jan. 21 and don’t play here against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last spring, the New York Rangers, until Feb. 10. By then, it’s likely the Penguins will be well on their way to a 10th consecutive post-season appearance, having already constructed some new home-ice memories for Pittsburgh fans. | 14 |
LUXURIOUS BEATS LUXURY-ISH
THE NEW 2016 LEXUS ES Compromise is the opposite of luxury. That’s why you won’t find an ounce of it in the luxuriously transformed Lexus ES. With available features like the panorama glass roof and the Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System,* every aspect has been crafted to inspire. And the available Lexus Safety System+ helps deliver ultimate peace of mind with innovative features like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and intelligent high-beam headlamps. So don’t just dip your toe into luxury, go all the way. lexus.com/ES | #LexusES
LEXUS OF NORTH HILLS 15025 Perry Highway, Wexford (724) 940-1400
ROHRICH LEXUS 2115 W. Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (412) 344-5800
Options shown. *Mark Levinson® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc. ©2015 Lexus.
We would like to thank our partner dealers‌ A & L Motors Arnold Palmer Motors Inc Baglier Buick-GMC-Mazda Baierl Benson Lincoln Bob Massie Bowser Bud Smail Motorcars Butler County Ford C Harper Autoplex Centennial Chevrolet Century 3 Chevy Century 3 Kia Classic Chevrolet Colussy Chevrolet Day Apollo Day Chevrolet Diehl Automotive Group Hillview Motors Honda North Jim Shorkey Automotive
Joe Ball GMC Leopardi Auto Sales Kenny Ross Chevrolet Krebs Chrysler Jeep Dodge Laurel Valley Motors Moon Township Automotive Nick Chevrolet North Star Chevrolet Superstore Rohrich Toyota Sewickley Car Store Shults Ford South Hills Chrysler Jeep Kia South Hills Lincoln Star Chevrolet Nissan Volvo Sturman & Larkin Ford Three Rivers Chrysler Jeep Dodge Tom Clark Chevrolet Toyota of Greensburg Washington Ford Watson Chevrolet Wright Automotive Group
Partner Dealers as of 09/01/15
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE
October 8-11 — 7 Shows
STEVIE WONDER
October 19 — 8:00 PM
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY® CIRCUS
November 4 - 8 — 8 Shows
CHRIS TOMLIN
November 14 — 7:00 PM
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL DUQUESNE VS. PENN STATE
November 20 — Time TBT
WWE RAW
November 30 — 7:30 PM
GNC PRESENTS THE CITY GAME
December 4 — Time TBT
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
December 26 — 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
TRANS- SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
December 27 — 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM
THREE RIVERS CLASSIC COLLEGE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RMU VS PENN STATE, UMASS LOWELL VS CLARKSON
December 28-29 — 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM
JEFF DUNHAM
December 31 — 3:00 PM
GROUP SALES AVAILABLE For more information, please contact the CONSOL Energy Center Group and Corporate Sales Department | EMAIL groupsales@consolenergycenter.com PHONE 412-804-7904 | www.consolenergycenter.com/groupsales For all upcoming CONSOL Energy Center events visit www.consolenergycenter.com. | 17 |
BUILDING INFORMATION CONSOL ENERGY CENTER ACCESSIBLE PARKING/SEATING
LOST AND FOUND
Accessible spaces are available in the parking garage adjacent to CONSOL Energy Center. Parking is first-come, first-served and spaces are limited. An early arrival is strongly recommended. Accessible seating is available on all levels for all events at CONSOL Energy Center.
If an item is lost or found during an event please see the Guest Services office located outside section 104 or call 412.804.7903 after the event.
ATM MACHINES For the convenience of our fans, ATMs are available in CONSOL Energy Center: First Niagara Bank - Outside section 119 and 230, and in the lobby of the Trib Total Media Gate PNC Bank on PNC Legends Level - Outside of party suite 44 and suite 13
BANNERS AND SIGNS Banners and signs are permitted for most events, providing they are appropriate, as deemed by building management.
CREDIT CARDS VISA, Discover, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted at all merchandise and concession stands.
ENTRANCES AND EXITS There are four (4) points of entry into CONSOL Energy Center: Peoples Gate (Fifth Avenue and Washington Place), Trib Total Media Gate (Centre Avenue Lower Entrance), Verizon Gate (Centre Avenue Upper Entrance), and a private parking garage entrance for suite ticket holders.
FIRST AID There are two (2) First Aid Stations presented by UPMC, one on each level of CONSOL Energy Center. First Aid is located adjacent to the Guest Services office outside section 104 and behind the concession stand at section 232.
PROHIBITED ITEMS Bags, back packs, air horns, coolers (hard/ soft sided), thermoses, large purses, cans, bottles, flasks, alcoholic beverages, laser pointers, video or audio recording devices, professional cameras/lens, tripods, banners or signs on poles, weapons or any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate are strictly prohibited. Small purses, camera cases, binocular cases and diaper bags will be permitted, however, all items that do not pass security must be returned to vehicles.
QUESTIONS For general questions, please call 412.642.1800 or e-mail info@consolenergycenter.com.
RE-ENTRY POLICY Exit and re-entry is not permitted at CONSOL Energy Center.
SECURITY In the interest of guests and staff safety, a search process is required for all events in order to prevent guests from bringing unauthorized and prohibited items into the arena.
SMOKING POLICY Smoking is not permitted inside CONSOL Energy Center.
Continued on page 21
| 19 |
BUY AND SELL PITTSBURGH PENGUINS TICKETS ®
NHL.COM/TICKETEXCHANGE | 20 |
© NHL 2015
Continued from page 19
SOLICITATION The distribution of promotional items, handbills, flyers, pamphlets, printed materials, as well as the solicitation of signatures, is not permitted on CONSOL Energy Center property without proper authorization from management.
TAG-A-KID In the event a parent and child might be separated at a CONSOL Energy Center event, parents can register their child with the Tag-A-Kid program. A wristband with the parent’s seat location and contact number will be given to the child. Registration is available at the Guest Services office located outside section 104.
VIDEO CAMERAS Use of video or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited. CONSOL Energy Center reserves the right to confiscate any tape or film and remove the patron from the building.
WHEELCHAIRS A limited number of wheelchairs are available for transporting guests that are disabled to their seating location. Guests can be transported from the gates to their seats. If a wheelchair is needed for the duration of the event, guests must supply their own wheelchairs. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved in advance. Upon arrival, guests can arrange for a wheelchair at any entrance of CONSOL Energy Center. Please see a CONSOL Energy Center employee to assist with wheelchair transportation.
WILL CALL Tickets ordered or prepaid can be picked up at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Box Office, located in the lobby of the Trib Total Media Gate. Will Call windows open one (1) hour prior to events and patrons must present valid photo identification and the credit card of record when picking up tickets.
| 22 |
CONCESSIONS
CONSOL Energy Center The CONSOL Energy Center menu includes options for every type of fan and event attendee. A visit is less than complete without trying fan favorites such as our Angus Cheeseburger, Grilled Chicken Ciabatta, Cheese Steak Dippers, Smoked Turkey Wrap, Italian or Vegetarian Panini, and Pretzel Stick with Bacon Cheddar Dip. Traditional favorites such as Nachos Grande, Smith’s Hot Dogs, Caesar Salad, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Fan Favorite Snacks, and a nice selection of Dr. Pepper/Snapple Products are also offered. To those that want the ever-changing option, our Chef’s Carved Sandwich of the day would be the overwhelming choice. Please join us for an experience you won’t easily forget! SMOKEHOUSE
PIZZA
Beef Brisket, Chicken & Pulled Pork Sandwiches Sections: 115, 205
Sections: 107, 212 ®
From Our Den to Your Den
SMITH’S®
MILLER LITE BREWHOUSE
Hotdogs Sections: 101, 107, 109, 111, 116, 121, 212, 218, 223, 225, 231, 232
Section: 206
BURGATORY
NAKAMA
Burgers, Fries, Milkshakes Section: 206
Sushi - Sections: 101, 105, 111 Hibachi by Nakama: 232
DAIRY QUEEN
Dilly Bar, Buster Bar, Stars & Stripes Starkiss Sections: 105, 234
DUNKIN’ DONUTS Specialty Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Teas and Donuts Sections: 109, 118, 212
PRIMANTI BROS.
RITA’S
I.C. LIGHT ICEBOX
Sandwiches Section: 119
Section: 204
Italian Ice Section: 109
Chef’s e ry v r a c
CHEF’S CARVERY Sandwiches Section: 107
Menu items subject to change, please visit pittsburghpenguins.com/diningguide for up-to-date information.
| 23 |
SEATING CHART
CONSOL ENERGY CENTER
| 24 |
FOR THE MAGNIFICENT ONE
IN YOU.
The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex is exactly what you’d expect from a partnership between two world-class organizations. It’s an elite, first-ofits-kind facility built for every athlete – from the world’s biggest, to the littlest.
NOW OFFERING WORLD CLASS TOURNAMENTS, LEAGUES, CAMPS & CLINICS.
| PUBLIC SKATING EVERY WEEKEND | PARTY RENTALS AVAILABLE | | PENSGEAR POWERED BY REEBOK | FREE PARKING | UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex Cranberry Twp., PA
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JEFF DUNHAM RETURNS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE By: Pam Thompson
Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his cast of compatriots in humor will send 2015 out with plenty of laughs when the performer’s Perfectly Unbalanced Tour plays CONSOL Energy Center on New Year’s Eve. Whatever happened when Dunham played the year-end holiday in Pittsburgh in 2011 was enough to bring him back in 2013, and again for this Dec. 31, making it his third appearance at Pittsburgh’s arena. Pittsburgh is one of only 20 cities on the tour. With nearly 9 million likes on Facebook, Dunham has set the record for viewership on Comedy Central, sold more than 7 million DVDs worldwide, and been viewed on YouTube nearly a billion times. The Perfectly Unbalanced Tour follows the performer’s six-month run of “Not Playing with a Full Deck,” his show at the Planet Hollywood Showroom in Las Vegas, which concluded this October. Dunham announced his new tour in September when he appeared on NBC’s Today to talk about his new television special “Unhinged in Hollywood with Special Guest Brad Paisley.” Fans who cannot wait until Dunham performs in Pittsburgh have a good chance of catching his new special, as well as some of his classics, this fall on television. Continued on page 29
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“Unhinged in Hollywood,” Dunham’s first special on broadcast television aired in September on NBC. It was taped this summer during two performances at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. The special features country music star Brad Paisley, comedian Chris Parnell, and mixed martial arts fighting champ Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, as well as Dunham’s popular sidekicks, Walter, Achmed, Bubba J, Peanut, Jose Jalapeno and Little Jeff. The televised show also includes behind-the-scenes footage of the live performances in August. The special’s cable television premiere follows this November on Comedy Central where it will be played four times prior to his New Year’s Eve show. Comedy Central also will rebroadcast four of Dunham’s past specials for fans who cannot get enough of the talented entertainer. Dunham with his entourage of (pardon the expression) dummies occupy their own unique space in the world of comedy. A regular on Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list of most powerful entertainers, Dunham built his comedy empire through years of touring and innovation. A Time magazine story credited Dunham with reviving Dunham is credited with ventriloquism and doing more reviving ventriloquism. to promote the art than anyone since Edgar Bergen. On Comedy Central, Dunham starred on his own show in 2009, “The Jeff Dunham Show.” He also has starred in six Comedy Central specials: o “Arguing with Myself” o “ Spark of Insanity” o “Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special” o “Controlled Chaos” o “Minding the Monsters,” and o “All Over the Map.” Dunham has appeared on the Emmy-winning comedy series “30 Rock” and in the comedy “Dinner For Schmucks,” starring Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd. When “Jeff Dunham: Birth of a Dummy” premiered in 2011, it became the Bio Channel’s number one broadcast of all time. Continued on page 30
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Dunham, a global comedy phenomenon, speaks no Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian or Afrikaan, the official languages of some of the international venues he has played. His relationship with his characters transcends anything that might be lost in translation. “I think the characters are universal and relatable as is the subject matter and comedy. Funny is funny, even if you have to translate,” he says. Dunham has had so much success with international audiences that he was named the top-grossing live comedy act in the world in 2009 and 2010 by Pollstar, the concert industry trade magazine. He has sold out stadium shows across Europe, Australia and Canada, as well as an 8,000-seat hockey arena in Helsinki, Finland on Easter Sunday. Dunham’s autobiography “All By My Selves: Walter, Peanut, Achmed and Me” is a New York Times Best Seller. In his personal story, his alter egos are quick to share their own versions of events, disputing the author’s recollection of their history together. Anyone who has seen Dunham perform marvels at his ability to enliven his characters while keeping his own personality intact. What is the source of inspiration for his dummies? Dunham says, “Just living life and observing the world. Each character has a different genesis and there’s no formula. If I think it’s a funny idea and can write a few jokes for him, plus if I think he will appeal to a good percentage of the audience, then I’ll go with it. But along with the successful characters, there is the trunk full of the characters that I call, ‘What the hell was I thinking?’ Tony the Talking Meatball probably tops that list.” “Time and circumstance,” bring on the addition of new characters, according to Dunham who says. “If I feel it’s time, and there’s a new DVD down the road in the foreseeable future, I start thinking, considering, and looking. But on equal grounds, sometimes a new guy just pops into my head and he seems too good to pass up.” Does Dunham have a “favorite child?” “If you mean of the dummies, and not my actual children, I’d say that Walter is my favorite for writing material; Achmed is my favorite when it comes to playing internationally, and Peanut is my favorite when ad-libbing with a crowd,” says Dunham explaining, “I like to play to and with each one’s strengths.”
It’s great fun.
Continued on page 32
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Dunham has sold more than 7 million DVDs worldwide and been viewed on YouTube nearly a billion times. Continued from page 30
Talking about which character he most relates to, Dunham says, “Each one in a different way. They are all a part of me, yet at the same time they are separate characters from me. When they make a statement, that isn’t necessarily what I, as myself, think. It’s a play or sitcom on stage and I am playing many different characters. So the short answer is: All of them.” Seeing the variety of his characters, it is amazing to realize that Dunham builds his dummies himself. The comedian describes the process briefly: “Everything from sculpting the head first in clay, then making a silicone mold, then casting the head in fiberglass, installing the mechanics, painting the head, wigging it, building the body, then clothing it.” Dunham was only an 8-year-old when his interest in ventriloquism surfaced. “It was as simple as seeing a dummy in a toy store in the third grade and asking for it for Christmas,” Dunham says. His parents gave him a toy Mortimer Snerd dummy including an instructional record album. Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, the creator of Mortimer Snerd, had an early influence on Dunham. “After I got him, I also got record albums and library books which I studied and taught myself ventriloquism. After my first show, I was hooked and there was never a reason to quit,” Dunham says. When Dunham was in the sixth grade, he began attending the Vent Haven ConVENTion in Kentucky, an annual international meeting of ventriloquists that includes competitions. ConVENTion organizers eventually declared Dunham a “retired champion,” ineligible to enter any more competitions. Other attendees were too intimidated to compete against him. Dunham is featured in the Vent Haven Museum alongside the famous 20th Century ventriloquists, Señor Wences and Bergen. His advice for other 8-year-old kids who would like to be ventriloquists: “Do it. Then do as many shows as possible in front of as many varied audiences and circumstances as possible. It’s great fun.” | 32 |
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LOVE RAN RED TOUR TO PLAY FINAL CONCERT IN PITTSBURGH By: Pam Thompson
Chris Tomlin’s final performance of his Love Ran Red Tour -- with special guests Rend Collective -- takes place in Pittsburgh this November. Supporting Tomlin’s 2014 studio album, Love Ran Red, the tour wraps up at CONSOL Energy Center after wending its way across America this year. Among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music, Tomlin claims 12 No. 1 radio singles, a Grammy Award, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a platinum and four gold albums and a plethora of other awards and nominations. Tomlin and his work were nominated for five Gospel Music Association Dove Awards this fall. o He received nominations for Songwriter of the Year, Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year, and with other songwriters for Worship Song of the Year for “Because He Lives (Amen).” o Love Ran Red received nominations for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Album of the Year. Continued on page 36
“I feel this collection is the strongest I’ve ever done.” | 35 |
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Tomlin says of his most recent work, “I’m not trying to make a different kind of record. It’s still the same path I started down, writing songs for the church, songs people can sing, songs that connect with people in their heart and move them in a way only songs can. That’s not changed, and yet this collection I feel is the strongest I’ve ever done.” The singer, songwriter and worship leader gives high praise to his most recent work given the success of his earlier album, Burning Lights. o Tomlin’s successes with Burning Lights included sold-out tour dates, as well as fan and industry awards for the music and the songwriting. o Burning Lights made its debut at the top of the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so. o It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014. Love Ran Red’s second single, “Jesus Loves Me,” made it into the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart. Tomlin says that “Jesus Loves Me” is a very personal song for him. Its lyrics include the words: He holds the stars and He holds my heart With healing hands that bear the scars The rugged cross where He died for me My only hope, my everything. “I sang it from somewhere deep inside,” he says. “You can’t outlive the presence of God, the love of God, and God will find you wherever you are. We can spend our whole lives learning all this grand theology of God, but at the end of the day, it comes down to ‘Jesus loves me.’” Love Ran Red’s tracks include: o “Greater” o “Waterfall” o “At The Cross” o “Jesus Loves Me” o “Boundary Lines” o “Almighty” o “The Roar” o “Fear Not” o “The Table” o “Psalm 100” o “I Will Boast,” and o “Jesus This Is You.” Continued on page 38
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Tomlin won a Grammy Award in 2012 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for And If Our God Is for Us. His other Grammy nominations include: o Best Contemporary Christian Music Song in 2014 for “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)” o Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for “I Lift My Hands” in 2012 o Best Gospel Song for “Our God” in 2011, and o Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for Hello Love in 2009. Tomlin won two Billboard Music Awards in 2011 for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Song for “Our God.” He also had a nomination for Billboard’s Top Christian Album that year for And If Our God Is for Us. In 2008, Tomlin held six spots on The Countdown Magazine’s top 20 list of praise and worship songs: o “How Great Is our God” (No. 1) o “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” (No. 3) o “Indescribable” (No. 6) o “Holy Is the Lord” (No. 8) o “Forever” (No. 10), and o “We Fall Down” (No. 14). Continued on page 40
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Continued from page 38
In August 2007, five songs that Tomlin wrote, co-wrote or performed held spots on the Christian Copyright Licensing International’s list of the top 25 worship songs in the U.S.: o “How Great Is Our God” (No. 1) o “Forever” (No. 5) o “Holy Is the Lord” (No. 7) o “We Fall Down” (No. 12), and o “Indescribable” (No. 22). While authoring new music and touring, Tomlin also continues in his role as worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, leading Passion Conference gatherings across the U.S. and internationally. His two decades of Passion event albums include: o Live Worship from the 268 Generation (1998) o Better Is One Day (1999) o The Road to One Day (2000) o One Day: Live (2000) o Our Love is Loud (2002) o Sacred Revolution: Songs From One Day 03 (2003) o Hymns: Ancient and Modern (2004) o How Great Is Our God (2005) o Everything Glorious (2006) o The Best of Passion (So Far) (2006) o Live From Passion 07 Pts. 1 & 3 (2007) o God of This City (2008) o Awakening (2010) o Here for You (2011) o White Flag (2012) o Let the Future Begin (2013) o Take It All (2014), and o Passion: Even So Com (2015). Special tour guests, Rend Collective released As Family We Go, its fifth studio album, this summer. Hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland, Rend Collective describes itself as imaginative, whimsical, raucous and refreshing. Considered a Christian experimental, folk rock, worship band, Rend Collective says that it is folk-influenced and “in pursuit of the colorful and unexpected.” | 40 |
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SPORTS, CONCERT FAVORITES BRIGHTEN HOLIDAY SEASON By: Pam Thompson
Ever popular sports and entertainment attractions come to CONSOL Energy Center in December carrying on long-time, as well as newer traditions of the holiday season for Pittsburgh audiences. Events include: o Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s all new 2015 Winter Tour o The City Game basketball rivalry between the Duquesne Dukes and Pitt Panthers o The Harlem Globetrotter 90th season tour, and o The Three Rivers Classic, collegiate men’s ice hockey tournament. Continued on page 44
The Globetrotters are active with students in the area as part of an anti-bullying community outreach program.
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The City Game Friday, Dec. 4, 7:00pm Basketball tradition opens the December schedule with the hometown matchup between Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh playing out for the 84th time. Scott Zimmerman, Director of Booking at CONSOL Energy Center for AEG, says, “It has been a cross-town rivalry since 1932, but the City Game, itself, is not just about Pitt and Duquesne playing basketball. It celebrates basketball in the region.” He says, “It definitely is an opportunity for people to come out and see great Division 1 basketball.” “There is a great atmosphere,” says Zimmerman adding, “It is an important event for the sport in the city. We look to see it continue for a long time.” The Dukes and Panthers have been dueling on neutral ground at CONSOL Energy Center since 2010, and before that at the Mellon/Civic Arena. Over the decades, the game also alternated between the home courts of the two teams. Continued on page 46
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The Harlem Globetrotters are known worldwide as ambassadors of goodwill.
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Harlem Globetrotters Saturday, Dec. 26, 1:00 and 6:00pm Celebrating their 90th anniversary this year, the Harlem Globetrotters continue their world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment. Always thrilling fans of all ages, the Harlem Globetrotters are known worldwide as ambassadors of goodwill. The international favorites will be in town for their annual post Christmas visit again this year. The Globetrotters have been coming to Pittsburgh on Dec. 26 for more than 40 years, according to a spokesperson for AEG. To mark the team’s milestone season, the Globetrotters teamed with television star and fashion designer Angela Simmons for a commemorative 90th anniversary fashion line introduced at the annual KIA STYLE360 showcase during New York Fashion Week in September. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved the Harlem Globetrotters – especially their winning track record,” says Simmons. “My goal for this collection was to reimagine the look of the legendary Globetrotters’ uniforms by infusing elements of the team’s rich 90-year history with New York City vibes and basketball-inspired swagger.” Described as “a robust fashion forward presentation inspired by the iconic basketball team,” the line includes Simmons’ take on their classic uniforms, which team members modeled at the showcase. Apart from their annual performances in Pittsburgh, members of the Harlem Globetrotters often take part in the city’s post-Thanksgiving parade. Continued on page 49
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They also regularly visit students in the area when team members present “The ABCs of Bullying Prevention.” This community outreach program is an effort by the Globetrotters to positively impact schools and communities around the world. Designed by the Globetrotters in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence (NCSV), the program’s ABCs represent “Action, Bravery, and Compassion.” NCSV is a non-profit organization that believes that young people, who think about their actions in non-confrontational ways, can create a culture where aggressive behavior is frowned upon and violence is thereby reduced. Targeting 6 to12 year-old youngsters, the program features Globetrotter players discussing the three key words, the meaning of the words, and tools that young people can use on a daily basis to reduce bullying. The Globetrotters equate what it means to be part of a team to how youths can offer support to one another to help stop bullying. The Globetrotters convey the important message of anti-bullying and violence prevention by having the students participate in the presentations. They use the team’s signature ball handling skills and humor to inform and entertain the students. To request a Globetrotter program for a school, administrators, teachers and principals can email info@harlemglobetrotters.com. Throughout their history, the Harlem Globetrotters have traveled to six continents to perform in 122 countries and territories. The Globetrotters have the opportunity to break down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Continued on page 53
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For decades, the Globetrotters, proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have entertained hundreds of millions of fans, including popes, kings, queens and presidents. For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit harlemglobetrotters.com.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) – two shows Sunday, Dec. 27, 3:00 and 7:30 pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) brings its 2015 Winter Tour, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve to CONSOL Energy Center for two shows. The all new traveling show once again features one of the group’s beloved stories performed in its own renowned audio visual manner. The shows also will feature music from Letters From The Labyrinth, TSO’s new full-length album and the group’s first since 2009’s Night Castle. TSO creator, lyricist and composer Paul O’Neill says, “The band always gets excited when they get to do something new and now that we are finished up with Letters From The Labyrinth (TSO’s new album), there is going to be lots of new music and twists for our fans on this tour.” TSO continues its tradition of donating a portion of ticket sales to benefit select national and local charities. Continued on page 53
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This season’s ticket sales for TSO’s Pittsburgh performances benefit two local nonprofits — WQED Public Television and the Dollar Energy Fund. To date, TSO has donated approximately $12 million to worthy charities. In addition, each TSO ticket purchased online comes with a digital copy of the group’s new studio album, Letters From The Labyrinth, scheduled for release in November. Visit trans-siberian.com for more details. TSO will take this year’s enchanted yuletide tale to 60 cities across North America for 100 performances. Based on TSO’s multiplatinum DVD and longrunning PBS fundraiser, the story follows the journey of a young runaway. On Christmas Eve, she breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater seeking shelter from the cold, and there she experiences ghostly visions from the concert hall’s past. The Ghosts of Christmas Eve features TSO’s “Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24,” “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” “Good King Joy,” “Christmas Canon,” “Music Box Blues,” “Promises To Keep,” and “This Christmas Day.” O’Neill says, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve brings me back to TSO’s beginnings. We recorded this TV show before TSO had ever toured and it was
TSO continues its tradition of donating a portion of ticket sales to benefit select national and local charities.
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almost like our first show. It was filmed in a majestic old theatre in Jersey City (N.J.) and we got to work with the legendary Ossie Davis, Jewel and Michael Crawford. There was a magic we captured and I think that’s why it was so successful as a fundraiser for PBS.” O’Neill adds, “The special features some of the best songs from our catalog at the time. We want to keep the spirit of the story alive and weave it together to encompass the best of the Christmas Trilogy that fans of all three stories can enjoy.” TSO’s successful 2014 Winter Tour grossed more than $51 million in just 52 days and played to nearly 1,000,000 fans. Playing more than 1,600 shows for more than 11 million fans, TSO has cemented itself as one of the world’s biggest arena rock acts. Consistently ranked in the Top 10 for attendance and grosses, according to Pollstar, the touring industry trade publication, TSO was named among the Top Touring Artists of the Decade by Billboard in 2009. TSO credits O’Neill’s vision for its success, citing his melding of “the sound and fury of rock with the storytelling of Broadway” to create a unique “rock theater” for crowds of all ages. With new fans being introduced to the wonder presented on stage every year, and TSO constantly striving to provide a new experience, audiences can be assured the best is yet to come in 2015. TSO is sponsored locally by WQED-TV, Q929, 96.9 BOB FM and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania. Continued on page 56
TSO is “rock theater” for crowds of all ages.
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Three Rivers Classic College Hockey Tournament Monday, Dec. 28 and Tuesday, Dec. 29, 4:30 and 7:30 pm both days The fourth annual presentation of this outstanding collegiate ice hockey tournament will pit the host team, Coach Derek Schooley’s Robert Morris University Colonials against the perennial visitors, Guy Gadowsky’s Nittany Lions of Pennsylvania State University in their annual matchup. This year’s visiting teams – the River Hawks of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, coached by Norm Bazin, and the Golden Knights of Clarkson University, coached by Casey Jones — face each other on the first day of the tournament. The second day of play includes the consolation game and the winning teams battling for tournament honors. AEG’s Zimmerman says that the Three Rivers Classic organizers look for top tier contenders from the six collegiate ice hockey conferences for the tournament. Both UMass Lowell and Clarkson meet the standards, he notes. “It’s an opportunity to showcase collegiate hockey in our area,” says Zimmerman, adding that tickets for the tournament are very affordable whether fans want packages or single tickets. He says, “We’ve had great feedback on the experience by the participating teams.” The fifth annual Three Rivers Classic already is booked for 2016, he adds. | 56 |
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‘UNBREAKABLE’ JANET JACKSON TO PLAY FOR FANS IN PITTSBURGH By: Pam Thompson
The New Year will bring Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable World Tour to Pittsburgh fans at CONSOL Energy Center on Saturday, Feb. 6. Local devotees of Jackson won when the performer announced a second leg of her current tour in response to popular demand. It will play an additional 27 cities across the United States from January through March. For the tour kickoff in Vancouver, Canada, Jackson performed unnamed new music, as well as favorites like “Nasty.” The release of Unbreakable, Jackson’s first studio album in seven years since Discipline, was scheduled for this fall after the start of its namesake tour. This spring and summer, the 49-year-old songstress was busy simultaneously developing the Unbreakable tour and the album with her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Jackson’s new music represents the first time in more than a decade that she is partnering with Jam and Lewis. Together the trio has a reputation for giving Jackson’s music versatility and influencing her pop songs with R&B, funk, disco and rap. The partnership’s lead single for Unbreakable, “No Sleeep,” made its debut on the Hot 100 at No. 67 in June. A milestone for Jackson, it became her 40th career entry on that chart. Two weeks after its release, it entered the Top Ten on the Urban Adult Contemporary and Billboard Hot R&B Songs charts. When the “No Sleeep” music video featuring J. Cole followed, it re-entered the Hot 100 at No. 63. The single also topped the Adult R&B Songs chart. It’s been a good year for Jackson who was presented with BET’s inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award. The BET awards show included a dance tribute to Jackson. The Unbreakable World Tour returns one of the world’s most influential entertainers to the live stage. It is Jackson’s seventh tour.
Jackson received BET’s inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award.
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WWE EXECUTIVE JOINS BOARD TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD CANCER By: Pam Thompson
A little boy from the Pittsburgh suburb of Hampton, Pa., put Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer, on a course to fighting childhood cancer. Her dedication to that cause has led to McMahon joining the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Board of Trustees. Her new responsibility represents another of her efforts to memorialize her special friend, Connor “the Crusher” Michalek, who lost his battle with a rare brain cancer last year at the age of 8. “We are honored to have Stephanie join our Board of Trustees. She and her family formed a very special bond with Connor, and she quickly demonstrated a passion for putting her talents and resources to work in the fight against pediatric cancer,” says Greg Barrett, President of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. “In the relatively short time she’s been involved with Children’s Hospital and our cancer program, Stephanie “I’m extremely humbled has already made a and privileged to join significant impact and I’m excited to see Children’s Hospital of how her ideas and Pittsburgh Foundation’s leadership will further Board of Trustees.” enhance our goals and mission.” “I’m extremely humbled and privileged to join Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation’s Board of Trustees and help play a role in their continued efforts to further pediatric cancer research,” McMahon says. Continued on page 63
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FEEL THE E X C I T E M E N T. F U E L T H E F U N.
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Sales of a bracelet inspired by this necklace help raise money for Connor’s Cure.
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She adds, “Connor Michalek had such a profound impact on so many people, including my husband and me. Through the tremendous work at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, I hope we can help find a cure for pediatric cancer, and ensure no other child has to endure Connor’s fate.” The seminal events that led McMahon to the Foundation’s board and the creation of Connor’s Cure were driven by the Crusher’s bigger than life personality. A huge fan of everything WWE, Connor, whose signature hold was his “choke out hug,” won the hearts of many a Superstar, as well as others in WWE, including McMahon. She says, “Connor’s message is clear and simple: life is all about love, be grateful for that love every day, and give it unconditionally to others. And be sure to give those closest to you a big ‘choke out’ hug.” “I believe everything happens for a reason. I feel humbled and privileged that Connor somehow chose WWE to spread his message through our vast audience,” McMahon says. In June 2014 just two months after Connor’s death, McMahon and her husband, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events and Creative, began Connor’s Cure with donations of their own. Contributions support pediatric brain and spinal cancer research and medical care for children and their families. To date, Connor’s Cure has raised more than $630,000 and has been supported by WWE and fans all over the world. Information on Connor’s Cure and ways to contribute to the fund is prominent on the WWE website. See https://community.wwe.com/hope/ partners/connors-cure. Continued on page 64
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In addition to WWE supports programs creating the fund, the and initiatives to help WWE executives followed up with additional address important fundraising, auctioning social issues. memorabilia like McMahon’s SummerSlam gear and the WWE logo from Levesque’s office, selling Stephanie McMahon Authentic T-shirts, and donating 100 percent of net proceeds from the sale of Connor’s Cure bracelets at WWE events and on its web site. The simple, child-like, beaded Connor’s Cure bracelets were inspired by a handmade gift from Connor to McMahon. The Connor’s Cure Fund receives 100 percent of net proceeds from the bracelet sales. WWE supports programs and initiatives to help address important social issues, in four primary areas: o Diversity and Inclusion to break down prejudice and to promote a culture of fairness and respect o Education to champion literacy o Military Support for active service people, as well as veterans reentering the workforce, and o Providing Hope to those in need especially “young courageous WWE fans battling life-threatening illnesses.”
FUNDRAISING Earn all the money you need with just one sale.
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27% OF U.S. PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS MAY NOT HAVE TEAM SPORTS BY 2020. 1
THAT MATTERS BECAUSE STUDENT ATHLETES ARE FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO ATTEND COLLEGE.
2
DICK’S Sporting Goods and the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, through their SPORTS MATTER program, have committed $25 million to support youth athletic programs threatened by budget cuts and lack of resources. To get involved, visit SPORTSMATTER.ORG #SPORTSMATTER 1
UP2US SPORTS/ 2 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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