Atlanta Bucks Announce Ben Cohen Tour Events & Tickets

ATLANTA, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlanta Bucks Rugby Football Club today announced the schedule of charity fundraising events for the Atlanta kick-off of rugby superstar Ben Cohen's first U.S. tour. Tickets for all "Acceptance Tour 2011" events go on sale today, March 30, 2011 at www.atlantabucksrugby.org. The tickets range from $25 for a rugby exhibition day to $600 for a VIP All Access Pass and private dinner with Cohen. Discounted weekend bundles are also available for $325. All monies raised will go to LGBT organizations supported by Cohen.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110330/CL74174 )

Cohen, England Rugby World Cup Winner, is among the world's great athletes, ranking second in all-time scoring for England. He is first, however, among straight professional athletes to focus his philanthropic efforts for the benefit of the LGBT community. Cohen, who is married with two daughters, has 140,000 predominantly gay fans on Facebook and more than 11,000 followers on Twitter, and is considered a gay icon in the U.S.

Regarding the Acceptance Tour 2011, Cohen said, "I am proud to launch my first U.S. tour in the city of Atlanta. We must stand up together against bullying and support young people who are being harmed. As athletes, it is not enough just to have strong bodies. We must have strong characters and use our voices to support those who need and deserve it. It is right to stand up for equality and acceptance."

The events, which will be held from Thursday, May 19 - Saturday, May 21, 2011, include:

Ben Cohen Meet and Greet
Fado Irish Pub, Buckhead
Thursday, May 19, 2011. 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
$100 per ticket; proceeds go to LGBT organizations
The Atlanta Bucks and Ben Cohen's fans welcome the England Rugby World Cup champion to Atlanta to kick off his Acceptance Tour 2011. This roof-top reception offers attendees 4 drink tickets, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to meet and mingle with the rugby great in a casual, intimate setting. Tickets for the event are limited, and available only through www.atlantabucksrugby.org.

Ben Cohen Acceptance Tour 2011 Official Kick-Off Party
Livingston Restaurant and Bar at Georgian Terrace, Midtown
Friday, May 20, 2011. 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
$250 per ticket; proceeds go to LGBT organizations
Be a part of LGBT history by attending this official kick-off party. This private, semi-formal reception held in the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel presents the gay icon and LGBT activist up-close and in-person. The event includes an open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and personal photographs with Ben and other invited dignitaries. Tickets are limited, and available only through www.atlantabucksrugby.org.

Ben Cohen Pitch-Nic & Auction
Oglethorpe University, Atlanta
Saturday, May 21, 2011. Afternoon start time TBA.
$25 per ticket; proceeds go to LGBT organizations
Join the Atlanta Bucks and Ben Cohen on pitch for an exhibition day of rugby on the beautiful campus of Oglethorpe University. To showcase the sport, there will be exhibition matches, a tented reception picnic, prize drawings and an auction of very special Ben Cohen items. This event includes a catered lunch with soft-drinks; alcohol will be available to those with proper identification. All ages are welcome, but only 21 and over will be served alcohol. Tickets are available only through www.atlantabucksrugby.org.

Private Dinner With Ben Cohen/VIP All Access Pass
Location TBA
Saturday, May 21, 2011. 8 PM
$600; proceeds go to LGBT organizations
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Ben Cohen fans. In addition to providing access to all three of the weekend events, VIP All Access Pass holders will attend a private dinner with Ben Cohen. Only 10 VIP All Access Passes are available, and will be strictly first come, first served. Available only through www.atlantabucksrugby.org.

Ben Cohen Weekend Pass - Discounted Bundle
All Events, Food and Beverage
Thursday, May 19-Saturday, May 21, 2011
$325; proceeds go to LGBT organizations
This weekend pass grants access to Thursday night Meet and Greet, Friday night Official Kick Off Party, and Saturday Pitch-Nic rugby exhibition, including all food and drinks, for a discounted rate. Limited availability only through www.atlantabucksrugby.org.

About the Atlanta Bucks RFC:

The mission of the Atlanta Bucks RFC is to provide a fraternal environment, without discrimination, for gay and diverse communities, to participate in the sport of rugby. Founded in 2003, the club is among the first IGRAB (International Gay Rugby Association and Board) teams in the United States. The Atlanta Bucks have won the New York East Coast Invitational in 2006 and the prestigious Bingham Cup Bowl Division in Dublin in 2008.

Contact: Gary Durden
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 404-713-1465

SOURCE Atlanta Bucks RFC