Jan. 7, 2000

LEXINGTON, Kty. — The University of Kentucky gymnastics team is preparing for its 16th annual Excite Nite gala, set for Sunday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum. The theme for this year’s gymnastics kick-off is ?Millennium Magic: Y2Kats.?

This year’s Excite Nite will feature a scrimmage-type atmosphere, while the gymnasts will compete against one another on all four events. The crowd will be divided into two separate cheering sections that will compete for prizes. This year’s event features performances by the GymKat Steppers of the Alpha Psi Alpha Fraternity and the 1998 NCAA men’s floor exercise champion and current volunteer assistant for the Kats, Darin Gerlach.

WKYT-TV’s Dick Gabriel and the new voice of the GymKats, Carl Nathe, will host the event. Crowd-favorite Percy Price will make a performance that should not be missed. Prizes including free dinners, Nike apparel and two bicycles will be given away.

“This year the crowd is going to see a different type of atmosphere at Excite Nite,’ Coach Leah Little said. “They will see a lot more gymnastics, which will get the gymnasts better prepared for a season of tough competition.’

Tickets are still available at the UK ticket office in Memorial Coliseum by calling 257-1818 or (800) 928-CATS. Tickets are also available at the door the night of the show. Reserved seating is $5 and general admission tickets are $3. The doors open at 5 p.m. with pre-event festivities. The Excite Nite program begins at 6 p.m. For the third consecutive year, Excite Nite will be televised on delay by Fox Sports Net South.