BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - With the event just eight weeks away, Fairfield University officially tipped-off the run to the 2008 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship first and second rounds by announcing the Honorary Host Committee at the news conference Sunday afternoon. Fairfield University is the host of the event, which takes place on March 23 and 25 at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

            "We are confident that the community will once again put forth their support and enthusiasm for the  NCAA Women's Basketball Championship," Reed said. "We are very fortunate to have an Honorary Host Committee which includes prominent members of all sectors of the community, who will help Fairfield University make this tournament memorable for all of the coaches, student athletes, and fans that will come to Bridgeport for this great event."

            Father Jeffrey P. von Arx, Society of Jesus and president of Fairfield University, and Bill Finch, mayor of the city of Bridgeport will serve as the co-chairs for this year's event.

            Reed also announced the Honorary Host Committee members for this year's NCAA Women's Basketball Championship first and second rounds:

            - Lt. Governor of the State of Connecticut, Michael Fedele

            - Tom McCarthy, President of the Bridgeport City Council

- Tom Chiappetta, Executive Director of the Fairfield County Sports Commission

            - John Dobos, Director of External Affairs for Southern Connecticut Gas Company

            - Robert Keeley, Director of Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District

            - Robert Laska, Publisher of the Connecticut Post

            - Michele Macauda, Senior Vice President, AT&T Services

            - Anthony Morone, Vice President of Client Services at United Illuminating

            - William Mitchell, Vice Chairman, Mitchell's of Westport

            - Dr. John Ramos, Sr., Superintendent of Schools for the City of Bridgeport

            - Allen Roth, Sales Center Manager of the Coca Cola Bottling Company

            - Vincent Santilli, First Vice President and Growth Manager, People's Bank

            - Robert Scinto, President/Owner of R.D. Scinto, Inc.

            - August Serra, Manager of Communications and Community Relations for General Electric

            - Paul Timpanelli, President and CEO of the BRBC

            - William Tommins, Executive Vice President, Bank of America

            - Peyton Patterson, Chairman, President & CEO of New Alliance Bankshares, Inc.

            "I am excited about Fairfield University's role in bringing this prestigious event to Fairfield County," Father Von Arx said. "We are hosting the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship for the third time. I am sure that with the support and expertise of our Honorary Host Committee, that this year's event will surpass the success of the 2004 and 2006 tournaments."

            Fairfield University will also host the 2009 and 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regionals at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

            Tickets for the 2008 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship first and second rounds can be purchased at the Arena at Harbor Yard box office, or by visiting http://www.fairfieldstags.com/ and clicking on the NCAA Tournament logo. All session tickets, which includes four first round games and two second round games, are priced at $58.