Jun 2, 2014 | General News, Special Events, Sports
Connecticut’s Brennan Ward Battles Bellator Newcomer James Irvin; Main Event To Be Announced In Coming Weeks 
Bellator will kick off its highly anticipated Season 11 on Friday, September 5th as the promotion returns to Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena to host Bellator 123 live on Spike TV. The night will feature the return of “The Irish Bad Boy” Brennan Ward as he battles James Irvin in a middleweight feature fight. The night will also feature the start of the Bellator Season 11 Middleweight Tournament. Participants for the eight man field as well as the main event of the evening will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for Bellator 123 go on sale on Friday June 6th at 10:00am EST and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com, Bellator.com or by visiting the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Bellator 123 will broadcast live at 9:00pm EST/ 8:00pm CST on Spike TV. The preliminary card will be streamed live and free on Spike.com beginning at 7:00pm EST/ 6:00pm CST.
Ward returns to the Bellator cage after suffering defeat at the hands of reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion Alexander Shlemenko in March of 2014. After storming through the Season 9 Middleweight Tournament with three straight finishes, Ward is looking to get back to his winning ways against Irvin on September 5th.
“It’s my time and he had his,” Ward proclaimed. “I’ve been putting in the work and this guy is just in my way to getting back to where I need to be. The Sandman is going to get planked in the fourth minute of the first round, I’m already calling my shot!”
“The Sandman is back,” Irvin said. “This is where the road turns for me. I’m back, and fighting under the bright lights again for a huge promotion like Bellator, and have a tough test ahead of me in a guy like Brennan Ward. I know he likes to run his mouth and he’s a young guy, but I’m knocking this kid out on my way back to the top.”
“It’s going to be another incredible night at Mohegan Sun on September 5th,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “Mohegan Sun has hosted some of the most memorable moments in Bellator history and I couldn’t think of a better venue to kick off what will be a huge Season 11 for Bellator. I can’t wait to get Brennan back in the cage, our Middleweight Tournament will be stacked, and we are going to open our Season 11 in a huge way on Friday, September 5th.”
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is the world’s largest tournament based Mixed Martial Arts organization. Televised to nearly 500 Million homes worldwide in over 140 countries, Bellator’s majority owner is entertainment giant Viacom. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. With over 180 world-class athletes under contract, Bellator is home to many of the sport’s top mixed martial artists. Bellator’s founder & CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment executive with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator’s core philosophy is that title shots should be earned, not given. This belief gave rise to Bellator’s real sport, tournament-based format, which gives Bellator’s tournaments a true playoff feel that keeps the sport true and distances itself from the subjective side of fighting sports found in organizations that utilize a matchmaking/casting formula. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Newport Beach, California.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won “Casino of The Year” at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted “Arena Of The Year” at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Also in 2013, Mohegan Sun won “Casino of The Year” in 2 categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.
May 28, 2014 | Special Events
WHAT: 
#1 New York Times bestselling author, Brad Thor, joins Mohegan Sun for a Winning Authors event. Thor will take part in a live Q&A before signing copies of his latest novel, Act of War.
WHEN/WHERE:
Thursday, July 17th
7:30pm – Live Q&A inside The Cabaret Theatre
8:30pm – Book Signing Event in The Shops at Mohegan Sun
IN DETAIL:
American Thriller novelist, Brad Thor, features his latest book, Act of War, on Thursday, July 17th for an action-packed Winning Authors event. Thor will discuss the novel during a live Q&A event inside The Cabaret Theatre. After, the author will sign copies of his book and take photos with readers at The Shops at Mohegan Sun.
Thor is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fourteen international thrillers. His latest novel, Act of War, focuses on the mysterious overseas death of a CIA agent and a terrifying plot to collapse the United States from within.
***Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Brad Thor will only be signing copies of his book Act of War, which will be for sale at Spin Street.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN:
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa and golf course, over 75 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and view us on YouTube.
May 20, 2014 | Special Events
WHAT: 
Meet former Amazing Race and Survivor contestant, Boston Rob, during a Reality Check event while WFSB hosts a casting call for the CBS hit show, The Amazing Race on Wednesday, June 11th.
WHEN/WHERE:
Wednesday, June 11th
2:00pm-6:00pm- Casting Call for The Amazing Race
4:00pm- Boston Rob’s Live Q&A
5:00pm- Signing Event
The Shops at Mohegan Sun
IN DETAIL:
Grab your best friend, brother, mother or anyone you could tolerate traveling around the world with for one million dollars and race to Mohegan Sun! WFSB will be hosting live auditions for the CBS Emmy-Award winning reality series, The Amazing Race at The Shops at Mohegan Sun on Wednesday, June 11th. Teams of two will be interviewed from 2:00pm-6:00pm, both team members must be present to audition! Plus, get tips from seasoned reality show expert, Boston Rob!
Boston Rob, Amazing Race and Survivor alum, knows a lot about handling the pressure of competing for a fortune with the whole world watching. The former contestant will be sharing tips with potential contestants and greeting fans in line for the casting call from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Afterwards, the two-time racer and four-time castaway will take part in a live Q&A session before meeting with fans one-on-one for an exclusive Signing Event.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN:
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa and golf course, over 75 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and view us on YouTube.
May 14, 2014 | Special Events
WHAT: 
Star of VH1’s Mob Wives, Renee Graziano, and her sisters Lana and Jennifer Graziano, join Mohegan Sun for a spicy hot Reality Check event. The sisters will be participating in a live Q&A and signing copies of their family cookbook, How to Use A Meat Cleaver. Renee will also be signing her new novel Playing With Fire.
WHEN/WHERE:
Friday, June 6th
Live Q&A- 8:30pm
Book Signing Event- 9:00pm
The Shops at Mohegan Sun
IN DETAIL:
The Graziano sisters cook up some fun at The Shops at Mohegan Sun on Friday, June 6th. Featuring their cookbook, How to Use A Meat Cleaver, they’ll be answering all the hard hitting questions during a live Q&A. Afterwards, the Grazianos will sign copies of the cookbook for fans. Mob Wives star, Renee, will also sign copies of her book, Playing With Fire.
The show’s star, the creator/Executive Producer and the talented restaurateur sliced, diced and chopped through Mob kitchen favorites to compile a perfect family cookbook. Sunday gravy, sausage and peppers and Lana’s famous meatballs are just a few of the secrets the sisters share. How to Use A Meat Cleaver is packed full of dishes perfect for any family dinner- Mob approved.
NOTE:
Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Graziano sisters will only be signing copies of their books How To Use a Meat Cleaver and Renee’s new book Playing With Fire, both will be for sale at Spin Street.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN: Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa and golf course, over 75 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, find us on Pinterest and view us on YouTube.
May 13, 2014 | Special Events
WHAT: 
Mohegan Sun welcomes Sherrilyn Kenyon for an exclusive Winning Authors event on Tuesday, July 1st. The author of Born of Fury, A League Novel, will sit down for a live Q&A before signing copies of her book.
WHEN/WHERE:
Tuesday, July 1st
7:30pm – Live Q&A inside The Cabaret Theatre
8:30pm – Book Signing Event in The Shops at Mohegan Sun
IN DETAIL:
Urban fantasy, science fiction, suspense and manga readers, rejoice! Sherrilyn Kenyon will be answering fans’ questions during a live Q&A inside The Cabaret Theatre. Afterwards, Kenyon will sign copies of her latest book, Born of Fury, A League Novel, at The Shops at Mohegan Sun.
Kenyon is no stranger to #1. The International bestselling author has landed more than 65 novels on The New York Times list. Kenyon has forty five million copies of her books in print, in over one hundred countries. Her writing skills are endless and she has written everything from science fiction, to historical paranormal and even graphic novels. Most recently, two of her current series have been picked up for a major motion picture while another is being turned into a television show.
To learn more about Sherrilyn Kenyon, visit her website.
**** Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Sherrilyn Kenyon, will be signing copies of Born of Fury which will be for sale at Spin Street. Spin Street will be offering a pre-order special on the book, with a 20% discount off the list price. Contact the store to reserve your copy today, at 860.862.7664. Books purchased day of event will be at advertised list price.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN:
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa and golf course, over 75 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and view us on YouTube.
May 2, 2014 | General News, Special Events, Sports
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams and brackets for the
2014 Tip-Off Tournament. The annual NCAA men’s exempttournament sponsored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will take place Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut highlighted by eight schools in two four-team brackets.
Teams scheduled to participate in this year’s Tip-Off tournament are: Binghamton University (AEC), University of Notre Dame (ACC), Manhattan College (MAAC), Florida State University (ACC), United States Naval Academy (Patriot League), Providence College (Big East), Northeastern University (CAA) and University of Massachusetts (Atlantic 10).
“We are thrilled about the great basketball programs participating in this year’s Tip-Off Tournament,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “It will be great to once again host the tournament at the Mohegan Sun and watch some exciting competition in November.”
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will continue to serve as the host conference for the annual event. The MAAC has developed a strong partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame, including the opening of a MAAC exhibit in the Hall of Fame museum.
A pre-sale of tickets to all participating schools will start on May 5 at 10:00 a.m. EST via all Ticketmaster outlets and the Mohegan Sun Arena box office. General public tickets will go on sale Friday, August 7. For more information on tickets, please log onto www.halloffametipoff.com.
Springfield Bracket
United States Naval Academy
Northeastern University
Manhattan College
Binghamton University
Naismith Bracket
University of Massachusetts
Florida State University
Providence College
University of Notre Dame
For more information:
Visit us on the web: www.hoophall.com
… on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBHOF
… on Twitter: @hoophall
… or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA
Tip-Off Tournament Schedule
Campus Round Schedule
November 14 – Binghamton University at University of Notre Dame
November 15 – Manhattan College at Florida State University
November 16 – United States Naval Academy at University of Notre Dame
November 17 – Binghamton University at Providence College
November 18 – Northeastern University at Florida State University
November 19 – Manhattan College at University of Massachusetts
November 20 – United States Naval Academy at Providence College
November 26 – Northeastern University at Massachusetts
Saturday November 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Naismith Bracket
12:00 p.m. University of Massachusetts vs. University of Notre Dame
2:30 p.m. Providence College vs. Florida State University
Springfield Bracket
5:30 p.m. Manhattan College vs. Binghamton University
8:00 p.m. United States Naval Academy vs. Northeastern University
Sunday November 23 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Naismith Bracket
12:00 p.m. University of Massachusetts vs. Florida State University
2:30 p.m. Providence College vs. University of Notre Dame
Springfield Bracket
5:30 p.m. Consolation Game
8:00 p.m. Championship Game
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate, men and women.
About Mohegan Sun:
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won “Casino of The Year” at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted “Arena Of The Year” at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Also in 2013, Mohegan Sun won “Casino of The Year” in 2 categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
The MAAC, headquartered in Edison, N.J., consists of 10 member institutions: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Loyola University Maryland, Manhattan College, Marist College, Niagara University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s College and Siena College.
For more on the conference, please visit www.maacsports.com.
Basketball Hall of Fame Media Contact:
Natalie Caldwell, Position Sports
(480) 652-0097
[email protected]
HEAD COACH COMMENTS
Ed DeChellis, United States Naval Academy
“We are very excited to be playing in the 2014 Hall of Fame Tip Off Tournament. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has assembled a great field and we look forward to competing.”
Ed Cooley, Providence College
“We are very excited to be participating in the 2014 Hall of Fame Tip Off at Mohegan Sun,” Providence College Head Coach Ed Cooley said. “The tournament field will be very strong and should provide us with excellent competition as we prepare for our 2015 conference season.”
Tommy Dempsey, Binghamton University
“I was fortunate enough to participate in the Hall of Fame Tip Off event when I was coaching at Rider. It’s a first-class event with a great field every year. We are excited to be part of the 2014 event.”
Bill Coen, Northeastern University
“We are excited to participate in the 2014 Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. Massachusetts is the birthplace of basketball, so it is an honor for us to represent the Commonwealth and to help promote the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and its efforts to preserve the history of the game we love. The 2014 Tip-Off features strong programs with rich basketball histories. We look forward to a highly-competitive event.”
Steve Masiello, Manhattan College
“We’re really excited to be a part of the Hall of Fame Tipoff Tournament. It has such a great tradition, it’s a fun event. The field this year is as good as it’s been — teams like Florida State, Notre Dame, UMass. It gives us, a mid-major team, an opportunity to play some terrific road games and an opportunity to play at a neutral site event. It gives us a stage to show not only the Hall of Fame what we’re capable of, but also show the country what our program and our brand is all about. It will be a very difficult tournament but something that we’re excited about and looking forward to.”
Leonard Hamilton, Florida State University
“The Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament is a prestigious event that we are very honored to be a part of in 2014. It is an exciting tournament that allows us to play against topflight competition and against teams that will challenge us because of the different styles of basketball played by each team in the event. We are also very excited to be a part of the event because the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is such an integral piece of the game of basketball and we want our players to understand the history of the game that we all love so much.”
Derek Kellogg, University of Massachusetts
“It’s a great opportunity for our program to play in this event against some of the best teams in the country. It allows our fans in New England to watch us play games in a first-class facility at the Mohegan Sun Arena.”
Mike Brey, University of Notre Dame
“We’re thrilled to be part the 2014 Tip-Off Tournament in November and to bring Notre Dame back to the Northeast. This event has become one of the premier tournaments in November and we’re excited to be playing Providence, a team that we know very well from our days in the BIG EAST Conference, and Massachusetts. It will be a great couple of days of basketball in the state of Connecticut. We’ll have three players on our roster next year from the New England area and I know that they will be thrilled to return to the area and play in front of their families and friends.”
