SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FEATURES STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA IN SERIES OF 50 STATE-SPECIFIC WEEKLY SECTIONS

NBA Coaching Legend Phil Jackson Writes About Long Drives and Life in The Rough Rider State

New York, NY, January 14, 2004 - This week's SPORTS ILLUSTRATED highlights the sports scene in the state of North Dakota, marking the 26th of 50 state-specific sections to be published in the magazine as part of SI's yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration.

Identifying the tradition of the Curling Championships as a unique attribute of the state, the six-page feature also includes an accompanying essay by Lakers' coaching great Phil Jackson , plus a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the most memorable moments and personalities that have shaped North Dakota's sports landscape.

The North Dakota edition begins hitting newsstands today, Wednesday, January 14, 2004 . Newsstand copies in North Dakota will feature a cover-flap identifying the special North Dakota section.

Highlights from the special section include:

• Baby, it's cold outside, so North Dakotans like to curl up with a good curling tournament, writes senior writer Mark Bechtel in " Broom at the Top ."
• In " Road Tripper " North Dakota native Phil Jackson writes how he came to understand his state during long drives to games.
• The Poll: North Dakotans weigh in on their state's sports scene in a Harris Interactive poll that found these results:

o Favorite major league baseball team.....Minnesota Twins (52%)
o Favorite NFL team.......................Minnesota Vikings (43%)
o Favorite NBA team.......................Minnesota Timberwolves (29%)
o Favorite NHL team.......................Minnesota Wild (31%)
o Favorite sport to play..................Fishing (19%)

• Enemy of the State: Packers great Brett Favre caps the title with 36% of the vote. KFGO radio host Ed Schultz takes second with 5% and Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner makes the enemy list again with 5%.
• Greatest Moment - Editor's pick: Though the University of North Dakota has won seven NCAA Division 1 hockey championships and North Dakota State five Division 11 football titles, the state's single most electrifying event was Roger Maris's 61 home runs in 1961. The Yankees rightfielder, who grew up in Fargo, broke Babe Ruth's hallowed record of 60 on the final day of the season. His mark would stand for 37 years-three years longer than Ruth's had.
• Sportstown: the District and the City of Bismarck earns Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Sportstown honors for having North Dakota's best community sports programs.

SI's 50th Anniversary program, America's Sports Illustrated: 50 Years, 50 States, 50 Sports, is a wide-ranging multimedia platform that is the most ambitious initiative in the history of the franchise. The grassroots effort, which began in July 2003 and continues through July 2004, is a yearlong celebration of sports in America. It will include editorial coverage in the magazine and online, a community sports outreach campaign with YMCA of the USA and the National Recreation and Park Association, as well as The Toyota Presents Sports Illustrated's 50th Anniversary Tour that will travel to unique sports events and festivals in cities and towns throughout the country. SI's actual 50th anniversary date is August 16, 2004. Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Tour; Best Buy , MassMutual Financial Group and Starter are program sponsors.

Contacts: Sheyl Spain, SI (212) 522-6905 / Julie Sprich, Edelman (212) 522-9511