Everyone likes prizes, right? Well, if you’d be interested in free tickets to the 2008 NCAA Final Four and/or a free car, then boy, do I have some news for you. 2K Sports has joined with Pontiac yet again to hold the third annual Pontiac Virtual NCAA Final Four Tournament, so your opportunity for college basketball (gaming) immortality is here! Oh yeah, there’s a catch: you have to be better than thousands of other gamers in College Hoops 2K8 — but you can do that, no sweat...right?

Registration for the tournament began on Friday, February 22nd, and it’s open to anyone, although the tournament is exclusive to Xbox Live. You’ll have until March 14th to enter, and the tournament itself will take place from March 17th to March 30th. The top four semifinalists in the tourney will each get a sweet prize package, including a six-day trip to San Antonio and tickets to both Final Four games on Saturday, April 5th, and the Championship game on Monday, April 7th.

Once the four semifinalists are deep in the heart of Texas, they’ll play out the final round of the College Hoops 2K8 tournament “in front of a crowd of screaming fans,” and the winner gets to drive off the court in a brand-spanking-new Pontiac Vibe GT. Last year’s tournament had over 6,500 players, but they’re expecting even more this time around. Think you have what it takes to win? Prove it by entering at http://virtualfinal4.2ksports.com, and let us know how it goes. The full press release from 2K Sports can be found after the jump...and remember, kids: no guts, no glory.

2K Sports Announces Open Registration for Third Annual Pontiac Virtual NCAA® Final Four® Tournament on Xbox LIVE®

 

The third annual Pontiac Virtual NCAA® Final Four® Tournament, presented by 2K Sports, featuring College Hoops 2K8 will begin open registration starting Friday, February 22, 2008. The College Hoops 2K8 online tournament will be available exclusively on Xbox LIVE®, as the top four semi-finalists will have the chance of a lifetime to win Final Four tickets and play College Hoops 2K8 in front of a live audience at the 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four on April 5, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. The winner of the Pontiac Virtual NCAA Final Four Tournament will drive off the court in a brand new 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT.

The Pontiac Virtual NCAA Final Four has steadily grown in popularity since its inception in 2006, with last year's tournament attracting over 6,500 participants, a 225% increase from the previous year. An even higher number of participants are expected to join the Pontiac Virtual NCAA Final Four Tournament this year, and fans eager to show theirs skills can register beginning tomorrow at: http://virtualfinal4.2ksports.com/. After completing the online registration, players will be directed to finalize their participation through the Pontiac Virtual NCAA Final Four lobby in College Hoops 2K8 on Xbox LIVE.

As the highest-rated college basketball game for six straight years*, and best selling college basketball simulation title this past season**, College Hoops 2K8 has solidified its position as the most authentic college basketball video game available. 2KU and the 6th Man Advantage will make any gamer do a double-take when they see their favorite mascots leading the student cheering section or when the offense receives an extra boost from the roar of the crowd. Other features include the All-American Training Challenge, where players improve their game skills by competing against former college basketball standouts, and Play Vision that allows gamers to execute every play on the court to perfection. College Hoops 2K8 also offers the deepest legacy mode and the most online options available to make it the gamers' choice as the top college basketball video game.

College Hoops 2K8, rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, is now available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. For more information about College Hoops 2K8, please visit: www.2ksports.com.

Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 25 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

*According to GameRankings.com average scores of 2003-2008 college basketball video games.

**According to NPD Funworld data for college basketball titles sold on Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 platforms.