DANVILLE GETS CALL FOR HALL

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) and the City of Danville have announced a partnership to relocate the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame from Normal to Danville, IL.

The announcement was made by IBCA Executive Directors, Chuck Rolinski, and IBCA’s Hall of Fame Committee, chaired by Paul Harris (Highland Park HS).

Established in 1973, the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame includes players, teams, and coaches from high school, college, and professional programs. The Hall of Fame also includes media members, referees, school officials, and friends of the game.

Formerly housed at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Normal, the Hall of Fame will be moved to a new location in downtown Danville.

“In partnership with the IBCA, the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame will become the custodian of the history of basketball in the State of Illinois for many years to come. Illinois will now have a Hall of Fame and not just a Wall of Fame.” said Danville Mayor, Scott Eisenhauer.

A committee of local representatives formulated a plan for a potential move four years ago before presenting their proposal to the IBCA last fall. Since making their presentation, original committee members Hall of Fame Coach John Spezia, Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer, Danville Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Jeanie Cooke, and local businessman Mike Hulvey, have grown to include Jerry Colangelo and others.

MARCH MADNESS HITS DANVILLE

Danville welcomes back, for the 15th year, the NJCAA Division II Men’s National Basketball Championships. Twelve teams from across the nation will converge on Mary Miller Gym on the campus of DACC March 19th through 22nd. They will be joined by approximately 100 four year coaches there to scout the outstanding talent pool.

Games begin at 12:30 PM on the 19th, concluding with the Championship Game at 7:30 PM, Saturday the 22nd. A complete schedule can be found at http://www.danvilleareainfo.com/ by clicking the calendar of events button on the upper right. Game costs are $5.00 per session (2 or 3 games depending on the day) and $20.00 for a tournament pass. Children under 6 are in free. You may also listen to games on WDAN, 1490 or pay for video streaming at $15.00 per game.

As always, feel free to contact the Danville Area CVB at 442-2096 or info@danvilleareainfo.com.

For the Birds!

The Hay Loft Gallery at Sleepy Creek Vineyards is looking for artists to create original and creative birdhouses for a show called "For the Birds". The show will run March 1st - April 13th, 2008. All entries should be submitted by February 24th. Entries can be created from any material desired and will be displayed along with photography and other bird related art.

Sleepy Creek Vineyards is a winery and gallery located between Danville and Champaign. Take I74 to exit 206 at Oakwood and go south 3.5 miles. For information: 271-733-0330.