NCAA Football's Youth Initiative, in conjunction with the Rose Bowl Committee, has donated $50,000 to the City of Pasadena to build a new football field as part of the plan to upgrade the aging Robinson Park. The revitalization effort also includes a state-of-the-art recreation center, a baseball field and other amenities. To dedicate the new football field, a press conference will be held at the park on Jan. 5, 2010, just two days before the 2010 Citi BCS National Championship game.

Robinson Park, which was part of a 1970s Northwest Pasadena redevelopment effort, was named for Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color barrier in 1947 and grew up just blocks from the public park. It is one of the most heavily used public recreational facilities in the City of Pasadena and is located in one of the City's most densely populated areas. After many years of intense use and evolving community needs, Robinson Park is receiving a facelift. The master redevelopment plan, which was approved in 2002, encompasses approximately 9.5 acres and will cost $19.5 million.

NCAA Football's donation on behalf of its Youth Initiative is the latest legacy gift awarded to the host city of the BCS National Championship game. Last year, a donation was made to Miami's Moore Park project, led by the Orange Bowl Committee, and in past years the New Orleans Recreation Department has received funds and support from the Youth Initiative.

"Once complete, the upgrades to Robinson Park will create a revived area for local residents to enjoy sports, build camaraderie and teach sportsmanship to young athletes," said Bob Vecchione – chair, NCAA Football Youth Initiatives Committee. "We are honored to have the opportunity to contribute to such a vital project for the City of Pasadena, and hope that some of NCAA Football's future stars will find their passion for football at the new park."

"The Tournament of Roses is pleased and honored to partner with NCAA Football in arranging this contribution to youth football in Pasadena," said Mitch Dorger – CEO, Tournament of Roses. "We believe strongly in the role youth football can play in developing the business and community leaders of tomorrow, and we congratulate NCAA Football for their initiative in contribution to this import cause. Robinson Park will be a center of leadership development long into the future."

For more information, visit www.c21pr.com/NCAAFootball/robinsonpark.html.


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About NCAA Football
NCAA Football USA, Inc. represents a coalition of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA), the Football Bowl Association (FBA), the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and the National Football Foundation (NFF) and serves as the collective voice to promote college football. Visit www.NCAAFootball.com for more information, and find our Youth Initiative on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ncaafootballyouth.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade® and Rose Bowl Game® presented by Citi. The 121st Rose Parade themed 2010: A Cut Above the Rest will take place Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Following the Rose Parade, the 96th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi will kick off at 2:10 p.m. and feature an exciting match-up between the Big Ten Conference champion Ohio State Buckeyes and Pac-10 Conference champion Oregon Ducks.

On January 7, the Tournament of Roses will also host the No. 1 BCS-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 2 BCS-ranked Texas Longhorns in the 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game. The game will kick off at 5:38 p.m. (PST) from the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.