Battle at Atlantis: Ultimate Division I Men's College Doubleheader Slam Dunks Paradise

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Four teams will Battle at Atlantis on Saturday, December 18, 2010 during the inaugural Division I Men's college basketball doubleheader hosted at the famed Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas.  

Mississippi State will play Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech will play Richmond in a new 4,500-seat arena to be unveiled in the 60,000 square-foot conference center. The half-million dollar temporary stadium will boast state-of-the-art regulation facilities at the epicenter of the world's largest open-air marine habitat complete with lavish guest accommodations, restaurants, bars, spa, lounges, waterslides and the largest casino in the Bahamas. In addition to enjoying appearances by former NCAA All-American, NBA Star and current ESPN/CBS Sports Analyst Len Elmore, fans will enjoy over-the-top prizes including a collection of high stake half-court shots with payouts in the six figures.

Home to some of the most extravagant events in the world, Atlantis hopes to expand the inaugural Division I Men's doubleheader into an eight-team tournament next year.

"When we decided to get into college basketball, we said let's make it the biggest, most fantastic event ever," says George Markantonis, President/Managing Director, Kerzner International Bahamas. "We know these teams will create an energy and excitement here that is unparalleled. It will be a sports experience unlike any other in a beautiful resort destination, something we are confident our guests and college basketball fans around the nation will love."

Exclusive fan rates for the Battle at Atlantis weekend start at $149 per night for travel from 12/12/10-12/20/10 and include two complimentary tickets to both games with a minimum two-night reservation. Additional tickets can be purchased for $20-$35 per seat.  Special 4-day/3-night Battle at Atlantis weekend packages start at $229/person. For more information or reservations call 1-800-ATLANTIS or visit www.atlantis.com/battleatatlantis.    

"We have been doing events like this for years, but on a much smaller scale," says the honorable Minister Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas. "With the encouragement and partnership with Atlantis, the upcoming Battle at Atlantis in December will attract visitors here who would not ordinarily visit the Bahamas and further expand tourism in the Bahamas for years to come within a new market segment."

About Atlantis, Paradise Island resort, The Bahamas

Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels.  This unique, ocean-themed destination is located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 141-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats.  Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.

The Cove Atlantis, a 600-room resort, features oversized rooms with a step down living space, spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, unprecedented services and amenities, private all-adult and family pools, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean.  Atlantis is also known as THE culinary destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Bobby Flay.  The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops, and the largest casino, conference center and meeting and convention facilities in The Caribbean.  

For further information about Atlantis, Paradise Island; telephone 954-809-2000, or visit Atlantis.com.  For reservations, call your travel agent or 800-ATLANTIS.

Both low and high resolution color photography of Atlantis, Paradise Island is available at news.atlantis.com.  If you are new user to this site, please complete the online registration to be granted access to the online newsroom.

SOURCE Atlantis, Paradise Island