It's finally here.

After a year of planning, fussing, tweaking and promoting the first Metro Sports Report Classic, the day of the big event is finally here.

All eight Metro boys basketball teams will gather this Saturday at Johnson Hall on the Kirkwood Community College campus in southwest Cedar Rapids to celebrate the grand old sport and enjoy a day of community spirit.

You've heard of a win-win situation before, but we believe this is a win-win-win-win-win situation for everyone involved.

The Metro basketball teams are winners, because they get to play in a Pride Challenge event that does not count on their won-loss record and does not count toward their allotment of 21 regular-season games. It's a free game, giving coaches a chance to put the final touches on their teams with the season beginning next week.

The Cedar Rapids Salvation Army is a big winner. The eight schools raised $1,899.76 as Bell-Ringers for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle holiday fundraising drive this month, and all eight teams will be bringing presents for Salvation Army children to enjoy at the holidays.

High school basketball fans are winners, because they'll get to see all eight Metro teams participate in the same event on the same day at the same location. That's never happened in the history of Metro basketball before.

Kirkwood Community College is a winner, because they get to showcase their excellent facility to members of the community who have not been there before.

We also feel the Metro Sports Report is a winner in many ways as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to high school sports in Cedar Rapids and Marion.

The price is certainly right. We're charging just $1 for students, $3 for senior citizens (55 &over) and $5 for general admission per session.

Each session features two games.

The first session features Jefferson against Prairie at 11 a.m., followed by Linn-Mar against Marion at 1:15 p.m.

The second session features Kennedy against Xavier at 5 p.m., followed by Washington against Cedar Valley Christian at 7:15 p.m.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

Play It Again Sports Cedar Rapids is the title sponsor. Make sure you look on the back of your ticket for a generous 20 percent discount on your next purchase of any one item at their store.

The Cotton Gallery of Marion, Chick-fil-A and the Athletic Republic/Mercy Medical Center are Silver Medal Sponsors. Thrine Spine & Sport, American Family Insurance-Kurt Gustafson, Thrivent Financial and OB-GYN Associates are Bronze Medal Sponsors.

We thank you one and all.

There will be special fan contests, special entertainment and performances by Salvation Army basketball players.

We're looking forward to a great day. See you Saturday.