JONESBORO (3/9/10) - The Arkansas State Department of Athletics will hold its annual Senior Prom, which has gained national exposure in years past through the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and NCAA News, for the sixth consecutive year Thursday, March 11 at the ASU Convocation Center.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Red and Yellow entrances located on the Convocation Center's arena concourse level.  The event has been tabbed "Casino Night" and features a dinner, dancing and bingo.  The Grant Garland Band will also be performing throughout the duration of the festivities, which are slated to run until approximately 8:30 p.m.

ASU student-athletes will once again be in attendance and admission is free for all seniors 55 years and older.

"This event has a huge impact of the city of Jonesboro and our student-athletes are extremely excited to participate," said ASU Associate Athletic Director for Student Services Julie Lessiter.  "We would encourage anyone who wishes to attend to stop on by and join us for an evening of fun, music and games."

The prom was the idea of former Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Caitlyn Mitchell in 2005. Mitchell, a volleyball player, suggested the idea of a prom for senior citizens at one of the group's meetings, noting that the ASU athletic fan base consists of a number of seniors.

After being involved in a similar event in high school, she also told the group the prom might be a good way for ASU's student-athletes to connect with this portion of the fan base on a personal level and give back to the community which supports ASU Athletics.

The first prom took place that spring and was such a success, the event was featured in the "EndZone" section of the NCAA News.

For more information, contact Lessiter at 870-972-3356 or e-mail at jlessiter@astate.edu.