Rutgers University to Host Gridiron Bash

Rutgers University and New York City-based MSL Sports and Entertainment, in partnership with Nelligan Sports Marketing, Inc. today announced that the university will host Gridiron Bash™ The Ultimate Fan Competition™ the day before the Rutgers Spring Game. The event -- the first of its kind at Rutgers Stadium -- will take place during the evening of April 18 and include an introduction of the 2008 Rutgers football team, festive interactive fan activities and a live performance by special guest musical artist Fall Out Boy.

"Spring football is an exciting time at Rutgers as our fans are anxious to get a sneak peak at the 2008 squad," said Robert E. Mulcahy III, Rutgers Director of Athletics. Rutgers is one of about 20 Division I universities nationwide selected by MSL (the event's creator and producer) to serve as a Gridiron Bash host site. "Gridiron Bash will allow students and fans to make a weekend out of the spring game and enable them to support the Scarlet Knights, give back to Rutgers and have a great time doing so."

In total, Gridiron Bash™ is expected to bring participating universities in 2008 an estimated $12 million resulting from gate and merchandise revenue, as well as the opportunity to raise funds through parking, food and beverage sales.

At the core of Gridiron Bash™ is a fan contest --The USA TODAY Bash for Cash Series™ -- that will establish which of the participating schools has the most passionate and supportive fans. The USA TODAY Bash for Cash Series™winners will be determined by adding up the total attendance at the Gridiron Bash™ event and combining that with the number of fans who text/call in to vote for their school. MSL projects total attendance to be about 1 million.

TheUSA TODAY Bash for Cash Series™ winning university will receive a $1 million contribution to their General Scholarship fund, with 2nd and 3rd place schools receiving $500,000 and $250,000 respectively. Presentation of the winning schools will be aired live in conjunction with a soon-to-be-announced national television partner.

"We're thrilled to bring Gridiron Bash to Rutgers University. The event will set a new tradition around spring football and feed the appetite of fans looking to be involved with the program beyond the season," says Shawn Garrity, president of MSL Sports and Entertainment. "Gridiron Bash truly is the ultimate fan competition. It offers fans the ideal opportunity to give back to the universities."

See more at http://scarletknights.com