WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area residents who want to cheer on the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzlies in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Division I Women’s 2012 National Volleyball Championship Tournament Nov. 15-17 can take advantage of a special opportunity to purchase discounted passes for a limited time.

Tournament organizers said residents will save money on the event’s three-day passes when they become a Side Out or Point Grizzly Investor.  As a $50 Side Out Investor, residents will receive two three-day passes and a tournament program, a $75 value.  As a $100 Point Grizzly Investor, residents will receive five three-day passes and a tournament program, a $180 value.  Investors also will be recognized in the tournament program.

“This is the best deal for anyone who would like to see the Grizzlies and other participating teams in action each day during the tournament,” said Tournament Committee Chairs Rick and Lois Frazier.

Those interested in purchasing these discounted tickets and becoming Side Out or Point Grizzly Investors should call the Grizzly Volleyball office at 417-255-7950 or e-mail ChrisTurner@MissouriState.edu or PaulaWiedemann@MissouriState.edu.  Deadline for purchasing discounted tickets is Thursday, Nov. 8.

Organizers also pointed out tickets for the championship team banquet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, are still available, as well.  Area residents who would like to attend can call the volleyball office at 417-255-7950 or stop by the Drago College Store, 411 W. Main St., to purchase them for $30 each.  The deadline for purchasing banquet tickets is Monday, Feb. 12.  The banquet will be held at the West Plains Civic Center and catered by Café 37.

Officials at area schools also are invited to bring students or members of their volleyball teams to the tournament, organizers said.  Special arrangements can be made for attendance by these groups by calling the volleyball office at 417-255-7950.

The tournament will get underway at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, with first-round action.  Matches will continue throughout the day and into the evening hours each day, with the championship match set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17.

For more information about the tournament, visit the website at http://njcaavbd1.com/.