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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -March 15, 2001
Contact: John Johnson or Andy Frushour-- 517.332.5046

EAST LANSING, Mich. - March 15 - Because of ongoing construction on the Michigan State University campus, parking spaces will be at a premium for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball Semifinals and Finals on March 22-24, prompting the Association to encourage fans to arrive early for the games and to make their parking plans before setting out for the Breslin Student Events Center.

"With over one thousand spaces out of commission on campus at this time, it's really important that people think about their parking alternatives when driving to East Lansing," said John Johnson, communications director for the MHSAA. "A lot of people just think they can hit the Trowbridge Road Exit and simply will their way into a spot next to the arena. This is one of those times where people need to make plans to drive to where the parking spaces are - and not to drive to the Breslin Center."

The MHSAA Web Site (www.mhsaa.com) will post a map the week of the finals, pointing out the best spots for fans to park, and indicating potential routes to reach those lots. The on-campus parking price, as set by Michigan State University, is $5 each time you enter a lot, and in-out privileges are not available.

One of the lots not available to the public during the finals will be the lot on the South side of the Breslin Center, which is a pass lot for team busses, tournament workers, media and handicapped parking. Another area not likely to be available which has been used in the past is the Intramural Field just South of Munn Ice Arena, which can only be used in perfect weather conditions.

"In addition to the spaces lost to construction on campus, this has not been the kind of winter that has allowed the IM Field near Breslin to dry out and firm up in time to be used for parking for the boys basketball finals, so we will lose a lot of parking spaces there," Johnson said. "People should be prepared to arrive much earlier than they would a regular-season high school game, they should be prepared to be patient and they should be prepared to walk to the arena. We really want the everyone to understand that they should avoid the Breslin Center parking lot because there isn't any available public parking there."

The best alternatives, Johnson said, are the following:
· The parking lot West of the Breslin Center on Kalamazoo Street, just North of the Michigan State Police Post. This lot is best accessed off U.S. 127 from the North and South at the Kalamazoo Street Exit from the South, and from the Saginaw Street Exit from the North, continuing South on Howard to Kalamazoo. (Across the street from the Breslin Center - Less than a 5 minute walk)

· The Kellogg Center ramp. On Harrison Road just North of the Breslin Center, this is best accessed from the South, driving past the Breslin Center and over the Red Cedar River to the parking ramp. (5 minute walk)

· The IM Sports West parking lot. Located just North of the IM West Building near Spartan Stadium, this lot can be accessed by taking Kalamazoo Street East past the Breslin Center, following the road around to the right past the statue of Sparty. This lot can also be accessed from the West by taking Michigan Avenue to the Beal Entrance of campus, making a right just before the IM Sports Circle building and crossing the Red Cedar River, than making a left at Sparty. Westbound Shaw Lane traffic can make a right just past the International Center to get to this lot. (10-15 minute walk)

· The Spartan Stadium and International Center parking lots on Shaw Lane (Saturday Only). These lots can be accessed by turning East onto Shaw Lane off Harrison and proceeding past the Breslin Center and Munn Arena. From the East, get off at Exit 110-Okemos, follow Okemos Road to the North to either Jolly Road or Mt. Hope Road, proceeding West to Hagadorn, and then North to Shaw Lane. (10-20 minute walk)

· Parking Ramp #5 on campus. This newly-constructed ramp is located just East of the MSU Police Department, adjacent to the Communication Arts Building. The ramp is just South of the traffic circle at Wilson Road and Red Cedar Road, Southeast of the Breslin Center. Going North on Harrison Road past Trowbridge Road, turn East on Wilson to follow to the Red Cedar traffic circle and turn South. Coming to campus on westbound Mt. Hope Road, turn North onto Farm Lane to Wilson Road, turning West to the traffic circle at Red Cedar Road, and then proceeding South to the ramp. (15-20 minute walk)

· Downtown East Lansing. A block north of Grand River Avenue are surface parking lots and a parking ramp. Pre and post-game dining and shopping attractions are in the vicinity. (15-20 minute walk)

Fans are advised to avoid parking in lots reserved for students and faculty near dormitories, and in the Flowerpot Neighborhood located just Southwest of the Breslin Center. Cars parked in those areas may be ticketed or towed away.

Construction at the Breslin Center has also changed the access to the building for purchasing tickets. Tickets are available for purchase at Gate D on the North side of the arena, near Kalamazoo and Harrison; and the Ticket Lobby is still open by entering through Gate B on the South side of the arena. Will Call is located at Gate C. The normal Ticket Lobby entrance is closed while construction is taking place to an addition to the facility.

"Patience and good sportsmanship will be necessary for fans visiting this year's finals," Johnson said. "We encourage fans to purchase their tickets in advance whenever possible, to arrive early, and to sport a positive attitude as they come to East Lansing to watch their favorite team in action."

The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by over 1,300 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract approximately 1.6 million spectators each year.

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