Contact:
Kimberly Schmitz
Director of Communications & Public Relations
520.770.2143
Kick it With the Cowboys – Professional rodeo action hits Tucson once again bringing with it current and former PRCA champions vying for their cut of over $275,000 in prize money. This stop on the nationally televised Wrangler ProRodeo Winter Tour includes saddle-bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and of course, bull riding! Tickets for the 81st La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Tucson Rodeo and Parade), February 18-26, 2006 are on sale now and available online. Visit the “tickets” page at www.tucsonRodeo.com for pricing and to view the seating chart at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave. The parade begins at 9 a.m., February 23. This two-hour spectacle features western-themed floats and buggies, historic horse-drawn coaches, festive Mexican folk dancers, marching bands, and outfitted riders.
Chrysler Classic PGA Tourney is Back –The Chrysler Classic of Tucson PGA tournament returns to the foothill fairways of the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa for its 60th year, February 19-26, 2006. Since 1945 the tournament has earned a reputation as a launching pad for careers of PGA tour newcomers and the resurgence of seasoned veterans. Many golf legends, such as Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer have tested their skills at this winter tournament. Current tour professionals Bruce Lietzke and Craig Stadler both jump-started their careers with victories at this unpredictable and exciting PGA Event. The competition will be televised on the USA Network.
Decades-old Secrets Revealed – For decades, they couldn’t talk about this super-secret spy plane. But, on the weekend of February 10-11, 2006 you’ll hear about it from former pilots, reconnaissance system officers, engineers, and maintenance personnel at Pima Air and Space Museum’s 2006 SR-71 Blackbird Symposium. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to look inside the cockpit of this famous aircraft—the fastest and highest-flying plane in the world during its 24-year career. (Tucson to Phoenix in three minutes!) For more information, visit www.pimaair.org.
Romance in the Foothills – On Valentine’s Day, snuggle up with your significant other and enjoy a romance package at the luxurious Loews Ventana Canyon Resort—just named a Top 25 North American resort by Conde Nast Traveler. This sweet deal includes champagne and chocolates at check-in, and breakfast in bed the next morning. In between, there’s always the Ventana Room for a sumptuous, Five-Diamond award-winning dinner. For more information, call (520) 299-2020 or visit http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/tucson/.
Star-Studded Mariachi Music – Some say Tucson is a mariachi capital of the United States. No visit here is complete without spending at least one evening listening to these strolling minstrels who play at restaurants and events all over town. For an immersion course in mariachi music, plan to visit the award-winning Tucson International Mariachi Conference, April 24-29, 2006, featuring performances by world-class mariachi and baile folklorico acts. For more information, call (520) 838-3908 or visit http://www.tucsonmariachi.org.
Living in Fit City – Tucson ranks fourth in the latest Top 25 Fittest Cities survey from Men’s Fitness magazine. Tucson moved up four notches from No. 8 in 2005. The fittest city overall is Baltimore, while the fattest city award went to Chicago. Tucson’s neighbor-to-the-north, Phoenix came in at No. 15 in the fit list. Tucson’s ranking was boosted by better-than-average sports participation, sports stores, gyms and clubs, and—especially—motivation and initiative modeled by Mayor Bob Walkup.
Gourmet Cuisine for the Dogs? – Who said that fine dining is just for people? Certainly not master chef, Micki Voisard, owner of Dog Chefs of America. She runs a canine culinary school at the 22-acre Amado Territory Ranch near historic Tubac, Arizona. Table scraps may be making a comeback—in a modern way. Chef Voisard teaches guests how to prepare simple recipes for optimum dog health and behavior. At the school’s scenic dog-park, visitors can picnic with their pups. For more information visit www.dogchefs.com.
Move Like the Amazing Spider-Man – For those with a penchant for natural adventure, rock climbing provides the ultimate thrill. If hanging high above the ground like Spider-Man is not your idea of fun, then bouldering—climbing without ropes, closer to the ground—may be more your speed. Professionals strongly advise classes for beginners. Summit Hut (520-325-1554 or 800-499-8696) has equipment, apparel, guidebooks, and tips on the best climbing destinations in Southern Arizona. When you're ready to start climbing, try Rocks and Ropes (520-882-5924). This indoor, rock-climbing gym has 6,000 square feet of rock-like surface for your climbing pleasure and provides lessons, equipment rentals, and memberships, as well as a pro shop in the building.
Take me out to the ball game - Take me out to Tucson? That’s right! You too can be singing the traditional 7th inning stretch song sooner than you think! For those fans who can’t wait until regular season, tickets for Spring Training Cactus League games in Tucson, Arizona become available January 14, 2006 at Tucson Electric Park and January 6 at Hi Corbett Field. A record number of Chicagoans are expected to attend 2006 spring training in Tucson, helped along by a new Southwest Airlines nonstop flight between Tucson International Airport and Chicago Midway Airport. For flight information, go to www.airTucson.com. For tickets, visit www.tucsonbaseball.com for World Champion White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks; and phone 1-800-388-ROCK for Colorado Rockies.
Pictures from the Old Pueblo – 300 dpi images of Tucson are available on our website at www.visitTucson.org/media. All images can be either enlarged at full quality up to 5 x 7. For larger images or further help, contact Heather Glynn at (520) 770-2162.
Save on Attractions with Tucson Passport – Give yourself over $400 in savings for just $15. Get 2-for-1 admissions to Tucson's top attractions and other savings. View it at www.TucsonPassport.com.
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