CONTACT: media@sportsamericainc.com | Back to Press Releases

January 14, 2004
McDonald's All American Game Heads to Oklahoma City on March 31st

ROCKVILLE, Md. - McDonald's Corporation announced today that the McDonald's Oklahoma City will be the host site for the 2004 McDonald's All American High School Basketball Boy and Girls Games, which are scheduled to be played at Oklahoma City's Ford Center next spring. This is the first time in the 26-year history of the Game that a city in Oklahoma will host this event.

Since its inception in 1977, the McDonald's All American Boys Game has annually showcased the top 24 boys high school basketball players, and on the the 25th Anniversary of the Boys Game in 2002, a new tradition began with the introduction of the Girls Game. The McDonald's All American Game provides basketball fans with a glimpse of NCAA, NBA and WNBA superstars of tomorrow, while also raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

"Oklahoma City showed so much enthusiasm and dedication in bringing this prestigious event to the area, and we are proud to have them host the Games in 2004," said Mike Donahue, Vice President, McDonald's U.S. Communications. "The state of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City have a long tradition of supporting basketball at the high school and collegiate level and we know that they'll contribute that same level of support to the McDonald's All American Game."

Both the Boys and Girls Game are scheduled to take place the same night during Spring 2004 at the Ford Center, a premium entertainment facility completed in 2002. The exact date has yet to be determined. The Games are typically played at the end of March.

"We are pleased to bring the Game to OKC next year and showcase how Oklahoma and Oklahomans can put on a first-class event, " said Steve Biddle, McDonald's owner/operator in Enid and Alva, Oklahoma.

Throughout its history, the Game has been a showcase for young basketball players, while also fulfilling its primary purpose as a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities‰. Proceeds from the 2003 McDonald's All American Games benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio and Youngstown, Ohio. Previous beneficiaries of McDonald's All American Games include Sickle Cell Anemia Research, the United Negro College Fund and numerous local children's charities. More than $3 million has been raised since the game was first played in 1978.

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501(c)3, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children through its network of 171 local Chapters serving 44 countries. Named one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine, RMHC makes grants to non-profit organizations and provides support to Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles worldwide. To date, Ronald McDonald House Charities' national body and global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $300 million to children's programs worldwide. For more information on Ronald McDonald House Charities and its global and local community efforts, visit the Ronald McDonald House Charities Web site at www.rmhc.org or call 630/623-7048.
McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer, with more than 30,000 restaurants serving more than 46million people each day in 119 countries. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's worldwide restaurants are owned and operated by independent local businessmen and women.

© 2003 McDonald's Corporation

Back to Press Releases