New York, NY, April 27, 2004 - This week's SPORTS ILLUSTRATED highlights the sports scene in the state of Kentucky, marking the 41st of 50 state-specific sections to be published in the magazine as part of SI's yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration.

Identifying the Kentucky Derby as a sporting activity unique to the state, the six-page feature also includes an accompanying essay by Actress and UK Alum Ashley Judd , plus a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the most memorable moments and personalities that have shaped the state's sports landscape.

The Kentucky edition begins hitting newsstands on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 . Newsstand copies in Kentucky will feature a cover-flap identifying the special state section.

Highlights from the special section include:

• In "Rite of Spring," SI senior writer Tim Layden describes the ritual and power of the Kentucky Derby and its ability to generate emotions that reach into the souls of Kentuckians.
• In "Wild Cats Fan," Ashley Judd explains why Kentuckians are so nutty about UK basketball and how it unites such a diverse commonwealth.
• The Poll: Kentuckians weigh in on their state's sports scene in a Harris Interactive poll that found these results:

o Favorite major league baseball team.......Cincinnati Reds (29%)
o Favorite NFL team.......Tennessee Titans (14%)
o Favorite NBA team.......Los Angeles Lakers (12%)
o Favorite college.......Kentucky (63%)
o State's biggest rivalry.......U of Kentucky - Louisville (87%)
• Greatest Athlete: When asked who is the greatest athlete who ever lived in or played for a team in your state, Dan Issel came out on top with 14% of the votes, followed by Muhammad Ali (13%), Johnny Unitas (12%) and Jamal Mashburn (6%).
• Enemy of the State: Rick Pitino , basketball head coach of Kentucky's archrival Louisville received 38% of this vote followed by former Duke basketball star Christian Laettner (18%) and Texas Tech basketball head coach Bob Knight (12%). Kentucky's most hated opponents: Duke University (26%) and the University of Tennessee (20%).
• Greatest Moment - Editor's pick: Dubbed the Dream Game, Kentucky faced Louisville in the Mideast Regional final in Knoxville during the 1983 NCAA tournament which also marked the first meeting between the two schools since 1959. The game created so much excitement with Louisville's overtime win, that the schools decided to play each other annually in the regular season.

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: Allison Keane, SI (917) 359-7433; Stephan Pechdimaldji, SI (212) 522-7644