West Virginia University and New York City-based MSL Sports and Entertainment, in association with Nelligan Sports Marketing, today announced that the University will host Gridiron Bash The Ultimate Fan Competition the day before the annual Gold-Blue Game.

The eventthe first of its kind at Milan Puskar Stadiumwill take place during the afternoon and evening of April 18 and include a live performance by multiple Grammy Award winner and entertainer Dwight Yoakam, as well as a giant pep rally introducing the team with remarks from Head Coach Bill Stewart and select players. Tickets go on sale today (March 7) at the Mountaineer Ticket Office, by calling 1-800-WVU-GAME or by visitingwww.WVUGAME.com. Tickets can also be purchased throughwww.gridironbash.com.

Similar to the excitement surrounding Midnight Madness, theres also excitement around football in the spring, when schools hold practices and Spring Games to showcase the upcoming team,said Ed Pastilong, director of athletics at WVU , which is one of about 20 Division I universities nationwide selected by MSL (the events creator and producer) to serve as a Gridiron Bash host site.Thousands of spectators come out each spring to watch our spring game, but thats typically where the fan experience ends. Gridiron Bash extends the experience and enables fans to support their team, give back to their university 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 contestThe USA TODAY Bash for Cash Seriesthat 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.

The USA TODAY Bash for Cash Series winning university will receive a $1 million contribution to their general scholarship fund, with second and third-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.

Were thrilled to bring Gridiron Bash to West Virginia 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,said Shawn Garrity, president of MSL Sports and Entertainment and a former linebacker at Syracuse.Gridiron Bash truly is the ultimate fan competition. It offers fans the ideal opportunity to give back to the universities.

Gridiron Bash will mark the first time that WVU has opened up Milan Puskar Stadium for a concert performance.

For more information, visitwww.gridironbash.com.

Dwight Yoakam will appear in support of”Dwight Sings Buck,”a one-of-a-kind new album honoring the legendary Buck Owens. The album is available as both a CD and a limited edition 180-gram vinyl record from New West Records.

For more information on Yoakam, including his recently debuted Route23 fan club, visitwww.newwestrecords.comandwww.dwightyoakam.com.

About MSL Sports and Entertainment

Manhattan-based MSL (www.mslsportsent.com) builds and develops cutting-edge entertainment properties with the purpose of connecting consumers, brands and media. In addition to rolling out trend-setting new propertiessuch as the Gridiron Bash at Division I schools and the East Meets West All-American Game MSL s core services include branding, TV production (with assets including”Inside the Big East,”numerous Division I coaches shows and other television properties), sponsorship sales, public relations, celebrity procurement and every aspect of event management. MSL also runs a nationally recognized scouting and recruiting service that works with universities, athletes and media organizations.