Simplot Games After Dark

After two days of vigorous competition Simplot Games athletes will get the chance to relax and unwind at ISU’s Student Union Building (SUB), on Friday, February 19.

Simplot Games After Dark will provide new activities and the chance for athletes, coaches, and others from the community to relax and have some fun. This annual night of entertainment continues with an exciting new format.

This year all of the events for Simplot Games After Dark will be sponsored by adidas and will be hosted at the SUB. The evening starts with an Idaho potato bar for dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Participants will then have their choice of activities that begin at 6:30 and go to 7:30 p.m. Choices include:

· Track Academy – Ron Chamberlain, BYU Sports Psychologist, will present “Ready to Play: Mental Readiness for Competition.” Be ready to compete by learning how to focus at performance time, get a competitive edge through practical psychological skills, and be in a positive emotional state and properly energized for competition.

· Deal or No Deal– in the Simplot Games version, participants can win prizes like adidas shoe certificates, an iPod, Simplot Games apparel, sport bags, gift cards, and more.

· The Third Degree– Simplot Games’ participants get the chance to ask questions of guest Olympians. Come see Greg McMillan, the coach that Amby Burfoot, from Runner’s World calls “the best and smartest distance-running coaches in America.” Plus don’t miss Scott Bauhs, a sub-4 minute miler and two-time Division II NCAA champion; and Brett Gotcher, a long distance runner who just ran the fourth fastest debut marathon ever for an American.

Prizes will be given away at each venue, including three iPod’s, adidas and Simplot Games apparel, and more.

“With everything under one roof, it offers convenience and more options to those who attend,” says Rebecca Anderson, Simplot Games Executive Director. “It’s going to be a great night and a lot of fun.”

After the different activities have ended, the Simplot Games dance – an annual institution – will be held from 7:30 to 11 p.m. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, laser lights, video screens, and a mechanical bull, along with food and games.

Concessions sold at the dance will be provided by the Pocatello Junior Civitans, which is made up of three local high schools. This event serves as one of their annual fundraisers.

“With over 1,000 in attendance from both local and visiting high schools, the dance is going to be a great release from competition and an enjoyable night,” says Anderson.

Also at 8 p.m., coaches will be able to mingle with adidas guest athletes and coach at the Coaches Hospitality Room.

This will be the first year that all Friday night events will be under one roof, and available with one ticket.

After Dark tickets are available for $10 at www.SimplotGames.com. Presold tickets (up to 500 may be sold) include dinner; your choice of Track Academy, Deal or No Deal, or Third Degree; and the dance party. Mechanical bull rides are an extra $2, and concessions at the dance are an additional cost.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $15, but these tickets are for the dance only and exclude dinner and other activities.

“It is going to be a great night,” says Anderson. “Don’t miss out!”