2008 ANNUAL STOCKMAN BANK MAGIC CITY CLASSIC
ATTRACTS RECORD NUMBER OF TEAMS

FRIDAY NIGHT EVENT FEATURES INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

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.—What once was considered one of the largest regional soccer competitions has grown even more popular, as a record number of teams—nearly 130---have signed up to compete in the 2008 annual Stockman Bank Magic City Classic, May 3-4, at Amend Park Soccer Complex, in Billings. All Classic competitions are free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Tournament Director Susan Maier attributes the record interest to the new weekend chosen for the Classic, May 3-4 (it formerly was held in June, after the state competition), as well as the addition this year of Micro Magic Division competition.

The new weekend for the classic was chosen by popular request 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, annually held the last weekend in May.

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 Stockman Bank Magic City Classic from two Canadian teams: the Hollandia Tigers, an Under 16 girls’ team from Saskatoon, coached by Brett Mario; and the Prince Albert Celtics, an Under 14 boys’ team, coached by Cory Olson.

As a prelude to the weekend classic excitement, the Hollandia Tigers Under 16 girls’ team will play an exhibition game against the Magic City Under 15 girls’ team, coached by Richard Duffy, on Friday, May 2, at 4:00 p.m., at the MSU Billings College of Technology soccer field, 3803 Central Avenue.

As with all Stockman Bank Magic City Soccer competitions, the exhibition game is free and open to the public

The expansion of the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic, one of the region’s most popular soccer competitions, will create an economic boon for the greater-Billings area economy, as over 3,500 soccer enthusiasts—players, coaches, trainers, family members and fans—join together to watch some of the most outstanding teams compete for the top awards.

The addition of a Micro Magic Division has been an added draw to the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic this year: “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. “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 over 200 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 Club teams, five of which were state champions during the 2007 season.

“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.”

Bill Coffee, executive vice president of Stockman Bank, said, “Stockman Bank is proud to partner with the Magic City Soccer Club in hosting an event that brings the youth of Billings and surrounding areas together. We appreciate the opportunity to be affiliated with an organization that promotes teamwork and good sportsmanship to kids of all ages. It is extremely important to support and encourage our youth because they are our future. We look forward to the Classic as another busy and exciting weekend in Billings.”

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

Stockman Bank Magic City Classic Player Passes are being honored by ZooMontana, the Moss Mansion, and the Western Heritage Center; during the weekend of the classic, every participating player may present a pass for free admission to these three Magic City supporters, when accompanied by a paying adult.

The tournament will feature competitive and club teams for boys and girls from Under 10 to Under 12, recreational; and Under 12 to Under 17, competitive. 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 Hottshotts Photography, 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 the Stockman Bank Magic City Classic, as well as a map to Amend Park Soccer Complex, site of the competitions, visit the Magic City Soccer Web site at www.magiccitysoccer.net.