Mystics to Kick Off 2005 Season

Annual Free Street Festival Begins at 4:00 p.m.; Mystics to Honor Women in the Arts at Halftime
May 17, 2005
The Washington Mystics will kick off its season opener against the 2004 Eastern Conference Champions Connecticut Sun at MCI Center on Sunday, May 22nd at 6:00 p.m.

The Mystics will honor women who have made contributions to the art world with a special on court ceremony at halftime. This year’s honorees are:

  • Mitzi Lizzaraga, Principal of Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Prior to joining Duke Ellington Schools of Arts, Yates ran the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan University and was the Director of the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Yates was a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar.
  • Hannah Rose, a 12 year old artist who will have her work shown at the Hemphill Fine Art gallery from May 19-July 2. Her work was also featured at the Millennium Arts Center in 2001.
  • Rhonda M. Winfrey, Owner of Dance Expression Company. Since 2002, Ms. Winfrey has given a dance scholarship to local dance students through a program she created called “Empowerment thru the Arts”. She has also worked with the art program of the Boys and Girls club of Arundel County.

    Prior to the game, the Mystics will host its annual street festival, which is free and open to the public. The street festival is schedule to begin at 4:00 p.m. and will be held on F Street (between 6th and 7th Streets NW) in front of the Main Entrance to MCI Center. The festival will feature numerous activities including interactive carnival games, face paintings, caricaturists, mimes, performances by the Mystics youth pep squad the Mayhem, baton twirlers, and dancers. From 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. only, fans can register to win a pair of Alana Beard autographed shoes or a t-shirt signed by the entire 2005 Mystics squad.

    “After working in training camp, we are excited to get the season started.” said Mystics General Manager Linda Hargrove. “Opening Night should be a great night for family entertainment in addition to outstanding basketball.”

    Individual tickets for the Mystics opening night on May 22nd as well as the entire season are currently on sale and can be purchased by visiting MCI Center’s Box Office, calling TicketMaster Phone Charge at (202) 397-SEAT, or by purchasing tickets online.