McDonald's® Announces Player Nominations, Ticket Sales for 2012 McDonald's All American® High School Basketball Games

CHICAGO, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, McDonald's announced the list of high school seniors nominated for the 2012 McDonald's All American Games, taking place on March 28 and for the second consecutive year at Chicago's United Center. The 24 boys and 24 girls to participate in the 2012 Games will be revealed during the McDonald's All American Games Selection Show, airing February 9 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

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Six-hundred players from across the country were nominated for the 2012 McDonald's All American Games, with Iowa maintaining the highest number of nominees (77), followed by Texas (69), Washington (36), Tennessee (32) and Georgia (31). Players were nominated by high school coaches, athletic directors, principals and members of the McDonald's All American Games Selection Committee. The complete list of nominees is available at www.mcdaag.com.

"The McDonald's All American Games presents the finest opportunity to preview the country's best up and coming basketball talent," said Morgan Wootten, McDonald's All American Games Selection Committee Chairman. "This year's nominees represent some of the top student-athletes in the country. We are privileged to acknowledge these individuals for their success on the basketball court, in the classroom, and in the community."

2012 McDonald's All American Games Tickets Available Now
Also today, tickets for the 2012 McDonald's All American Games are available through Ticketmaster or charge-by-phone at 1-866-909-GAME. Ticket prices start at only $12, and are also available in a "Family Four Pack" for $53, which includes four tickets, and a voucher for four hot dogs and sodas at United Center concession stands. Parking is free the night of the games.

"Last year we set an attendance record, selling out the United Center while raising money to support Ronald McDonald House Charities," said Douglas Freeland, director of the McDonald's All American Games. "Fans should not miss this opportunity to see the world's best high school basketball players, on the biggest stage, all while helping those less fortunate."

Net proceeds from ticket sales benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI). To date, millions of dollars have been donated to RMHC Chapters from proceeds generated from the McDonald's All American Games.

The 35th annual Boys Game will tip-off on Wednesday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m. CT from Chicago's United Center and will be broadcast on ESPN. Immediately preceding the Boys Game will be the 11^th annual McDonald's All American Girls Game, which tips-off at 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome food made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the more than 12,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.

About RMHC
Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 52 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better.  For more information, visit http://rmhc.org or follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) and Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHCGlobal).

© 2012 McDonald's

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Brittany Rouse, GolinHarris
312-729-4380
[email protected]

SOURCE McDonald's USA, LLC