PHOENIX, Dec. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Canyon University will make its official debut into the Western Athletic Conference men's basketball season on Jan. 2 by donating all proceeds from the game to a local nonprofit organization.

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All ticket and concession sales from the game against Texas Pan-American, which will take place at 7 p.m. at GCU Arena, will benefit Phoenix Dream Center. In addition, GCU will match any donations made to Dream Center on that day. Donations can be made at the game, by calling (602) 346-8778 or by visiting Phxdreamcenter.org. That phone number will be shared with viewers during the Cox7 broadcast of the game.

A nonprofit organization established by Phoenix First Assembly church, Dream Center provides a residential rehabilitation program, shelter and care for victims of human trafficking, affordable housing for single men and women in transition, and distribution of food and clothing to locals in need.

"You can feel the anticipation as we begin our inaugural season in the WAC. Our hope is to harness this passion to cheer on our 'Lopes, while also making a difference for others," said Brian Mueller, GCU's president and chief executive officer. "Phoenix Dream Center deserves and needs all of our support. The work it is doing to rescue the broken and the lost, to rebuild their lives and help them realize their purpose is truly God's work. The Center is our neighbor, and Grand Canyon wants to bolster it in whatever ways we can."

Single game tickets start at $5 and family four-packs are $15. Fans can enjoy pregame festivities, a halftime show featuring GCU's 90-piece pep band, The Thundering Heard, and an outdoor fireworks display following the game. In addition, those who make a donation to Phoenix Dream Center will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

"We are extremely grateful for GCU, for the many students and staff who are volunteering at the Center, as well as for this opportunity to raise additional funding for our programs," said Kathie Gadberry, the Center's chief development officer. "We often say that Phoenix Dream Center is the Valley's best-kept secret, that people who could help support us don't really know that we exist. So this event at GCU is the perfect stage to be able to show them."

For details or tickets, visit gcuarena.com or call the GCU Arena box office at 602-639-8979.

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona's premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited and emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional. GCU offers traditional programs on its growing campus, as well as online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. The University's curriculum fuses academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its students to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information about GCU, visit gcu.edu.

Phoenix Dream Center provides homeless and low-income individuals and families, along with at-risk youth with resources, opportunities and services to achieve a self-sufficient life. For details, visit phxdreamcenter.org.

Phoenix First infuses life and God's love into people and families through engaging, powerful worship services that offer biblical truth in relevant and practical ways. For more information, visit phoenixfirst.org.

SOURCE Grand Canyon University