2014 Desert Diamond/University of Arizona Arthritis Center Bear Down Luncheon Teams Up With UA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, April 17

Building upon a long tradition of mutual support, the University of Arizona Arthritis Center (UAAC) will once again team up with the UA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics as it introduces the 2014 Desert Diamond/University of Arizona Arthritis Center Bear Down Luncheon to benefit the UAAC and its research efforts.

This unique event will be held Thursday, April 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 6360 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson. The event is sponsored by Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment.

Guest speakers will be Greg Byrne, UA vice president for athletics, and Rich Rodriguez, UA head football coach.

Active on both the Pacific-12 Conference and National Collegiate Athletic Association levels, Byrne will enlighten guests on the latest news in athletics, both locally and throughout the NCAA.

Coach Rodriguez, who took over the Wildcat football program after coaching the West Virginia Moutaineers and the Michigan Wolverines, will give an update on the promising 2014 season.  Coach Rodriguez led the Wildcats to back-to-back bowl appearances in his first two seasons as head coach.

Tickets are $100 per person ($58 tax deductible) or $550 for a table of six ($300 tax deductible). The Silver Supporter package is $1,000 ($915 tax deductible) and includes two tickets with signage and podium recognition; the Gold Supporter package is $2,500 ($2,250 tax deductible) and includes six tickets with signage and podium recognition.

For reservations or more information, please call the UAAC, 520-626-3618.

The UAAC, a Center of Excellence at the UA College of Medicine – Tucson, is a research leader with a focus on identifying the causes of arthritis and developing improved diagnosis, measurement and treatment of the disease.