St. Joe's to host NCAA tourney

PHILADELPHIA, PA - March Madness returns to Philadelphia in 2009, as Saint Joseph's University hosts the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds at the Wachovia Center on Thursday, March 19 and Saturday, March 21.

Applications to purchase tickets are now being accepted on line at ncaa.com; or by mailing the application form to the Wachovia Complex Box Office (3601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19148-5290); or in person at the Wachovia Center Box Office. Applications must be received no later than Thursday, May 1, 2008 (or later if NCAA extends this deadline). If the number of requests exceeds the number of seats, a computerized drawing will take place in May. If tickets are still available, sales will continue.

Applicants will be notified by Sunday, June 15 (or later if the NCAA extends the May 1 deadline) if they will receive tickets. Applicants who are not selected to receive tickets will receive a full refund less any applicable service fees. All refunds will be made electronically. The NCAA will mail tickets to successful applicants no later than mid February 2009.

Ticket packages are $220 (additional service charges apply). A maximum of eight (8) ticket packages may be purchased per person. The ticket price includes all three sessions (six games). Single session tickets will be sold only if seats remain available the day before the games. Applicants do not receive any promise of seat location. Everyone must have a ticket for admission, regardless of age.

Pairings for the 2009 NCAA Tournament will be announced on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. EST. Game times will be announced the Monday before competition. Tickets may not be returned, refunded, or exchanged.

The Wachovia Center has previously hosted the 2000 NCAA Women's Final Four; the 2001 NCAA Men's East Regionals; and the 2006 NCAA Men's First and Second Round games.