<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Heat put meaning into its exhibition schedule Thursday when it announced an Oct. 10 Hurricane Katrina benefit game against the San Antonio Spurs at AmericanAirlines Arena. Proceeds from the game, from ticket prices to salaries of some service workers, will be donated to the American Red Cross and a charity to be determined by the league, Heat, Spurs and National Basketball Players Association. In order to maximize the contribution, the Heat will charge regular-season ticket prices and will not include the game in its season-ticket packages. Season-ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase their seat locations today through Wednesday, at www.heat.com or the arena ticket office. Sales to the general public will begin Sept. 19, with Ticketmaster having agreed to waive transaction fees. The game is expected to raise at least $1 million, with all revenue from concessions, parking and retail sales also to be contributed. Selected players will greet ticket-holders at the door before the game and sign autographs afterward. "The premise of this game will be less about competition, although it will be competitive, and more about unity for a cause," said Russell Bookbinder, executive vice president of basketball operations for the Spurs, who attended Thursday's announcement at AmericanAirlines Arena. The game will be the exhibition opener for both the Spurs and Heat, and the likely debut in Heat uniforms of Antoine Walker, Jason Williams and James Posey.</div> Source
