DETROIT (9/28/2016) -- The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics announced today that it has partnered with Michigan First Credit Union to host an exhibition men's basketball game on Saturday, Oct. 29, benefiting Detroit Public Schools (DPS), grades K-5. The game will be the first matchup between Detroit Mercy and Motor City rival Wayne State in 14 years.
"We are committed to helping our city and our local community, and this is a great way for two of the most prominent academic institutions in Detroit to give back," said Detroit Mercy Director of Athletics
Robert C. Vowels, Jr. "It has been 14 years since Detroit Mercy and Wayne State have played, and both teams feature head coaches with enormous ties to each other and the city of Detroit."
The in-state rivalry will serve as the kickoff of Detroit Mercy's new "City College Series," a sponsorship formed with Michigan First to raise money for DPS with the aid of a basketball game between local academic institutions in the city.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 and tickets are now on sale at Calihan Hall for $2 per person.
All proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to Detroit Public Schools to provide financial assistance for the district's K-5 classrooms with Michigan First contributing a matching donation for all tickets sold.
"Michigan First is proud to be an extended member of the UDM Titans family through the launch of our City College Series, and we look forward to working as one unit to make a measurable impact in our community," said Michigan First President and CEO Michael Poulos. "This matchup has been a longtime coming, and we could not think of a better way to launch this program than with two stellar teams facing off for a great cause. As a credit union founded by educators, Michigan First hopes to see a sold-out crowd on Oct. 29, increasing the donation being made to Detroit Public Schools."
Tickets for the game can be purchased now and only in person at Calihan Hall (4001 W. McNichols Road in Detroit). For additional information about the game, sponsorships or donations, contact Detroit Mercy Director of Athletic Marketing & Promotions
Jeremiah Hergott at 313-993-1700 ext. 7330 or at
hergotjw@udmercy.edu.
About Michigan First Credit Union
Celebrating its 90th anniversary, Lathrup Village-based Michigan First Credit Union delivers world-class service to more than 122,000 members at 14 branches throughout Michigan. A supporter of financial education, the credit union offers expanded financial services for every life stage through its Michigan First Mortgage and Young & Free Michigan brands, as well as its 365 Live Call Center. Currently, the credit union has over $780 million in assets. To learn more about Michigan First and its award-winning team, visit
www.MichiganFirst.com.
