MEDIA CONTACTS: Susan Maier, Tournament Director, (home) 652-8501; (cell) 861-5361;
sgmaier@bresnan.net
Shelley Van Atta, Marketing Committee, (home) 652-3273;
(cell) 794-4699; lcvanatta@bresnan.net

BILLINGS, MONT.—The 2008 annual Stockman Bank Magic City Classic, one of the region’s most popular soccer competitions, is expanding this year, and will feature exciting changes that are certain to be a draw, as over 1,000 soccer enthusiasts from throughout the region join together at Amend Park in Billings for a sporting good time, creating a boon for the greater-Billings area economy, while watching some of the most outstanding teams compete for the top awards.

By popular request, a new date, May 3-4, was chosen by the Magic City Soccer Club, host of the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic, to give participating teams a more competitive advantage prior to state competition later that month.

The new date not only was a favorite with many Montana teams, but obviously won the acclaim of an international competitor as well. Organizers enthusiastically welcome participation in the 2008 Classic from the Hollandia Tigers, a U16 Girls team from Saskatoon.

A further draw this year to the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic will be the addition of a Micro Magic Division. “This is something we have wanted to include for a number of years, with numerous requests from parents, team members and coaches,” said Susan Maier, tournament director. “It took a lot of coordinating, but thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, and a strong commitment from the Magic City Soccer Club, we are delighted to welcome this new division.”

Speaking of volunteers, Maier heads up cadre of nearly 100 volunteers who work year round to ensure the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic not only offers cutting-edge competition, but also promotes the many advantages of Billings--the Magic City--Montana’s largest city and proud home of the Magic City Soccer teams, of which five were state champions during the 2007 season.

With over 100 teams expected to compete, well over 1,000 soccer fans are expected to visit the greater-Billings area.

“We could not hold a tournament of this magnitude without the exemplary support from our major sponsor, Stockman Bank,” said Maier. “This is the second year Stockman Bank has been the Classic’s major sponsor, which has allowed us to expand and to become the tournament of choice throughout the region.”

Tournament Headquarters for the 2008 Stockman Bank Magic City Classic will be the Best Western Kelly Inn & Suites Billings Hotel, at 4915 Southgate Drive. In addition to the Best Western Kelly Inn & Suites, the other hotels offering preferred rates are: Best Western Clock Tower Inn, 2511 1st Ave. North; La Quinta Inn & Suites, 3040 King Ave. West; and Billings Hotel and Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane. Room rates for these preferred hotel sponsors may be found at the Magic City Soccer Web site at www.magiccitysoccer.org.

“Hotels, restaurants and other businesses and individuals have made a generous commitment for the players, which is what the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic is all about,” said Maier. “We also recognize what an important boon the tournament is to Billings, and appreciate the city’s continuing strong support.”

The tournament will feature competitive and club teams for boys and girls from Under 10 to Under 12 Recreational; and Under 11 to Under 10 Competition or Club. Teams featured in the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic will not be select teams or All Stars from competition teams.

There is no admission charge to the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic. Food will be available for purchase from Amend Park Concessions, including Healthy Meal Choices, and specialty coffees and smoothies provided by Beartooth Coffee Roasters, with a portion of all food and beverage proceeds supporting Magic City Soccer and the Amend Park Soccer Complex.

The Classic will feature an eclectic array of booths, from sports merchandise to soccer pictures by Fun Foto, from spray tattoos, hair spray paint, and massages by Coffee Break Massages, to a speed gun kick challenge, and more!

The Stockman Bank Magic City Classic is hosted by the Magic City Soccer Club, a competitive soccer club in Billings for U11 to U19 players, which includes Micro Magic, a recreational-plus, developmental league soccer division.

For more information about, or to register for, the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic, visit the Magic City Soccer Web site at www.magiccitysoccer.org. The deadline for team registration is April 13.