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ESPN's Dick Vitale to hold Super Sixteen Basketball Bash raffle for a chance to watch game with him

Doug Fernandes, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
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SARASOTA — For the second straight year, Dick Vitale wants two people to accompany him watching a Sweet 16 game from the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

To capitalize on the national interest in March Madness, the 84-year-old ESPN college hoops announcer and Lakewood Ranch resident once again is having his Super Sixteen Basketball Bash.

A minimum donation of $100 is required to participate in the raffle. All the money raised through the event will benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

We have a winner: Illinois couple wins first annual Dick Vitale Super Sixteen Basketball Bash

The winner of the drawing will be allowed to bring a guest to Vitale’s home to watch a Sweet 16 game on March 29 2024. The package includes airfare, a two-night stay in a hotel, a complimentary dinner cruise, and the cost of transportation to and from the event.

Package includes tickets to Vitale Gala

From left, Lorraine Vitale, Charlie Johnson, Dick Vitale, and Tammie Johnson at Vitale's home in Lakewood Ranch. Tammie won the first Super Sixteen Basketball Bash.
From left, Lorraine Vitale, Charlie Johnson, Dick Vitale, and Tammie Johnson at Vitale's home in Lakewood Ranch. Tammie won the first Super Sixteen Basketball Bash.

In addition, the winner will receive two all-access passes to the 19th Annual Dick Vitale Gala, set for May 3rd next year at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota; two tickets to a private party on May 4 at the Vitale residence; two nights stay at a hotel; and airfare for two. Scheduled to be honored at the Gala are Derek Jeter, Jeff Gordon, and Rick Barnes.

Last year, Tammie Johnson, of Algonquin, Illinois, along with her husband, Charlie, won the first bash. Tammie purchased 50 raffle tickets, a cost of $5,000. At first, when told by phone that she had won, she didn’t believe the caller.

And when the two arrived in Florida, they saw a large welcome banner hanging outside Vitale’s home. Inside was an excited host.

“Do you give him a Red Bull every day?” Tammie asked Lorraine, Vitale’s wife.

For a chance to win, go to v.org/supersixteen. The drawing will be March 11. Last year, the initial Basketball Bash raised $100,600 to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Dick Vitale raffle gives fans chance to watch Sweet 16 game with him