BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – When the world famous Harlem Globetrotters hit the Pete Hanna Center at Samford University on Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m., they will be facing off against a special opponent, as new Samford University Head Football Coach Chris Hatcher will get in on the fun by donning the uniform of the Globetrotters' long-time rivals, the infamous Washington Generals.
 
Hatcher will be suiting up for a Generals team more determined than ever to match the franchise's historic last victory over the Globetrotters on Jan. 5, 1971.  It has been five years since the Globetrotters and Generals have faced off, as the Generals have been searching far and wide for the best players to retool their roster and have been preparing for one thing: victory over the Globetrotters.
 
Hatcher was presented with his Generals jersey today by Harlem Globetrotters' star Flight Time Lang, who visited Hatcher at Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House.
 
"I know Coach Hatcher is used to winning and will probably help the Generals implement some form of the 'Hatch Attack,' on Sunday, so we could be in a real battle," said Flight Time.
 
Tickets for the March 8 game start at $22 and are available at harlemglobetrotters.com, samfordsports.com/tickets, the Pete Hanna Center box office, or by phone at 205-726-3647. 
 
The Globetrotters will be returning to the Peter Hanna Center for another show on Sunday, March 15 at 4 p.m., with tickets available via the same outlets.  As part of today's pronouncement, Hatcher and Samford University announced that they will be donating tickets to the March 15 game to The Exceptional Foundation, serving mentally and physically challenged individuals in the Birmingham area.
 
Sponsored by World Vision, Greyhound Lines and Baden Sports, The Harlem Globetrotters® are celebrating their 89^th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.