MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Lynx unveiled today the “10 Days of May-hem,” a comprehensive community outreach plan presented by Best Buy that features nearly 20 events and a host of media appearances throughout the Twin Cities during the 10 days leading into the team’s opening game of the 2008 10th Anniversary Season.

Beginning on May 9 and leading into the Lynx season-opening game, presented by Best Buy, against the Detroit Shock on May 18, the Lynx will bolster their presence in the community with events designed to bring the fun and excitement of Lynx Basketball as well as expand the team’s community outreach to several nonprofit and charitable organizations throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

The events and appearances by the Lynx players and coaches will be chronicled throughout the “10 Days of May-hem” on lynxbasketball.com.

“As part of WNBA Cares Week and as a fantastic precursor to our 10th Anniversary Season, we are excited to introduce the Twin Cities to ‘Ten Days of May-hem,’“ said Angela Taylor, Lynx Vice President of Business Operations. “The beauty of the WNBA — its teams and the players — is that we are truly committed to using the platform we have been given to give back to the community. Our organization has enjoyed creating another initiative that will allow our amazing players and coaches to have a positive impact on the people they meet and interact with during this outreach.”

The “10 Days of May-hem” will be highlighted by an open practice at Target Center on Saturday, May 10, from 2-5 p.m. at Target Center, as well as visits to the Gillette Children’s Hospital, CommonBond Communities, and Ronald McDonald House. The “10 Days of May-hem” will close with the Lynx players singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch at the Minnesota Twins’ game against the Texas Rangers on Monday, May 19.

The Lynx will also introduce the 2008 squad at the Mall of America on Saturday, May 17, from 4-6 p.m., in the rotunda at the Mall of America. Two-time All-Star Seimone Augustus and 2008 Wade Trophy winner Candice Wiggins will be on hand with their teammates to sign autographs and meet fans.

The WNBA is deeply committed to WNBA CARES programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting health and fitness, breast health awareness, reading and youth basketball programs.

The “10 Days of May-hem” schedule of events includes:

·            Open Practice, Saturday, May 10, 2-5 p.m., at Target Center. Players and coaches will host a post-practice Q&A and sign autographs.

·            MEDIA DAY, Lynx Practice Facility, Target Center, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

·            Players meet & greet with the West Side Boosters Club, a middle school girls basketball traveling team, Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Target Center.

·            Susan G, Komen Race 4 The Cure, Sunday, May 11, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Mall of America. Lynx will also have a booth at the Health Expo from 7-10 a.m.

·            Gillette Children’s Hospital Visit, Monday, May 12, 12-1 p.m.

·            Basketball Court Dedication, Monday, May 12, 2-3 p.m., Blaine.

·            Kids and Mentors Party, CommonBond Communities, Monday, May 12.

·            Ronald McDonald House Visit, Monday, May 12, 6:30-8 p.m.

·            People Serving People Shelter, Tuesday, May 13, Serving breakfast and dinner.

·            Kids and Mentors Party, CommonBond Communities, Wednesday, May 14.

·            McDonald’s Sampling Day, 5 Minneapolis locations, times and sites TBD.

·            Wake Up With The Lynx, Friday, May 16, 5:30-7:30 a.m., Target Center Skyway.

·            Lynx Basketball Clinic, Saturday, May 17, 1-2:30 p.m., Bloomington Kennedy High School.

·            Meet the 2008 Lynx at the Mall of America, Saturday, May 17, 4-6 p.m., Mall of America Rotunda. Two-time All-Star Seimone Augustus and 2008 Wade Trophy winner Candice Wiggins will be on hand with their teammates at MOA to sign autographs and meet fans.

·            FanFest presented by Best Buy, Sunday, May 18, Lynx-hosted Fan Fest/Block Party on 6th Street, between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave., prior to season opener. The Lynx kick off their 10th Anniversary Season in style featuring a special appearance by players from the inaugural 1999 roster.

·            Lynx players will sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch at the Minnesota Twins’ game against the Texas Rangers on Monday, May 19.

For more information about any of the events included in the “10 Days of May-hem,” please call 612-673-8400 or visit www.lynxbasketball.com.

The Minnesota Lynx will open their 10th Anniversary Season on May 18, 2008, against the Detroit Shock. The first 5,000 fans will receive a T-shirt courtesy of U.S. Bank. Season and group tickets are on sale now for this historic season. Be a part of the celebration by calling 612-673-8400, e-mailing tickets@lynxbasketball.com or visiting www.lynxbasketball.com.