NBA, poker stars to play for charity

Some of the biggest names in the NBA and poker, including Michael Jordan and Phil Ivey, are coming to the inaugural Trent Tucker Charity Poker Tournament on Sept. 8 at Canterbury Park.

All proceeds from the no-limit Texas Hold'em tournament will benefit the Trent Tucker Non-Profit Organization for Twin Cities youth programs. The organization's partners in the venture include Canterbury Park, the World Poker Store and Polaroid.

"I am excited about the opportunity to partner with Canterbury Park and the World Poker Store to put on a world-class poker tournament to benefit our youth programs," said Trent Tucker, a former University of Minnesota basketball standout and NBA player. "It is going to be an amazing event that will allow us to further our impact on the community."

NBA icons scheduled to appear include Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley. Poker stars expected to attend include Ivey, Johnny Chan, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Phil Hellmuth, Gus Hanson and Marcel Luske.

There will be an estimated first-place prize of $50,000, based on 200 paid entrants. Seats for the public cost $2,500. Individuals can earn a seat in the main event by winning a one-table, 10-person satellite tournament. Buy-ins are $275 and are held every Sunday and Thursday at Canterbury Park.

For more information, call 952-885-6363 or visit www.trenttucker.org.

News Added: 22 August, 2006

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