Jan. 14, 2009

Champaign, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced a lineup of top entertainers that will be featured at the next four men's basketball halftimes. The slate includes three acts that have appeared on America's Got Talent and one of Illinois' traditional favorites.

Fans attending the Ohio State game on Jan. 20 will be entertained by the Russian Bar, a high-flying act that performs without a safety net. The Russian Bar performs in Las Vegas following years of experience with Ringling Brothers. The act reflects a combination of gymnastics, strength, and breathtaking aerial work.

An Illinois tradition rolls into Assembly Hall when the Jesse White Tumbling Team performs at halftime of the Wisconsin game on Jan. 24. The tumblers have performed for National Basketball Association, National Football League, Major League Baseball, and intercollegiate athletics fans since 1959.

Quick Change will leave fans bewildered with its Feb. 1 halftime performance at the Iowa game. The illusionists perform rapid-fire costume changes that leave crowds mystified. The National Basketball Association's game operations directors named Quick Change the No. 1 halftime act in the league. If you have never seen Quick Change, then you should save this date on your calendar.

The final halftime act of the four-game run is the most unusual, the ZOOperstars. The animalistic superstars perform more than 200 shows per year. They bounce, flip, dance, and amuse. They're an act unlike any other - the ZOOperstars. See them at Assembly Hall at halftime of the Purdue game on Feb. 8.