Razorbacks To Host Prostate Cancer Awareness Game

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – As Arkansas kicks of the 2015 football season, the Razorbacks will also be doing their part to help raise awareness of prostate cancer while celebrating the survivors who have faced and defeated this formidable opponent. The University of Arkansas will host a Prostate Cancer Awareness Game, presented by Mercy, for the season opener on Saturday, Sept. 5 against UTEP. The game is set for a 2:30 p.m. start at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and will be televised live on ESPNU.

One in seven American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Former Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive, a prostate cancer survivor, will be recognized as part of the festivities.

“We are proud to welcome Commissioner Slive to our campus to honor him for his tremendous service to intercollegiate athletics and for his efforts in bringing awareness to our nation’s ongoing battle with prostate cancer,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. “His extraordinary accomplishments as commissioner helped lead our conference to unprecedented success and most importantly made a difference in the lives of thousands of student-athletes. His decision to share publically his recurrence of prostate cancer helped create a national dialogue and raised awareness for early prostate screenings. We look forward to honoring Commissioner Slive and celebrating all those who, like him, have courageously waged the fight against prostate cancer.”

Slive served as commissioner of the SEC from 2002 until his retirement in 2015. During that time, Slive oversaw perhaps the greatest era of success since the league was founded in 1933 while helping shape the landscape of college sports as a national leader in intercollegiate athletics. In October 2014, Slive announced was stepping down after 13 years and was once again dealing with a recurrence of prostate cancer.

Numerous additional activities and recognitions are schedule on game day in an effort to raise awareness for prostate cancer. The Razorback football team will wear blue ribbon helmet decals to recognize Slive and bring awareness to prostate cancer.

“Prostate cancer has personally affected my family and since then, my awareness for the disease has grown,” Arkansas head football coach Bret Bielema said. “It will be an honor to recognize Commissioner Slive and others who have battled prostate cancer we continue to increase awareness about men’s health.”

During the game, prostate cancer survivors and survivors will be recognized on the field in front of the season opening crowd and each will be provided a Prostate Cancer Awareness Matters t-shirt in recognition of their fight.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. Although the disease is serious, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer can successfully fight the disease with early detection. Men over the age of 50 are highly encouraged to get regular prostate cancer screenings.

Single-game tickets to see the nationally-ranked Razorbacks take on UTEP are still available. Fans can purchase tickets here or by calling 1-800-982-HOGS.

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