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January 29, 2002

Border Brawl to be a one-of-a-kind event

The Border Brawl, this Friday night's much-anticipated wrestling meet between No. 1 Minnesota and No. 2 Iowa, will undoubtedly be a one-of-a-kind college wrestling and college sports event. Set for 7 p.m. at downtown Minneapolis' Target Center, the Border Brawl will be more than a dual meet between the top two teams in the nation; the event will also be a record-breaking and tradition-challenging milestone in collegiate grappling. Below is a look at some of the unique and groundbreaking highlights that fans can expect at the Border Brawl.

  • Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura will be attending the Border Brawl and will present the winning team with the Governor's Belt, a travelling trophy in the spirit of Floyd of Rosedale, given each year to the winner of the Minnesota-Iowa football game. A statement issued by Governor Ventura is expected soon.
  • Local television and radio personality Mike Max will serve as in-arena master of ceremonies for the Border Brawl. Max will interview wrestlers, coaches, fans and local celebrities before, during and after the meet. He will, in essence, be the host of an arena-only TV event.
  • Much like a World Wrestling Federation event, the Border Brawl will feature highlight videos, instant replays, taped and live interviews with wrestlers, coaches and fans, pyrotechnics, and much more. In addition, former Golden Gopher and current pro wrestler Brock Lesnar will be in attendance.
  • The Border Brawl also exists as an attempt by Minnesota to break the NCAA wrestling dual meet attendance record of 15,291, set on Feb. 22, 1992, when Iowa defeated Iowa State 29-8 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • Wrestling Goldy bobbleheads will be awarded randomly to 10,000 fans at the Border Brawl through a lottery system.
  • Tickets for the Border Brawl are available through Ticketmaster at 651-989-5151 or at www.ticketmaster.com.
  • As of 1/28, 9,300 tickets have been sold for the Border Brawl in the 19,000-seat Target Center.