STATE’S 1ST POWERBALL JACKPOT WINNERS SAY IT’S TIME FOR ANOTHER BIG WIN FOR TENNESSEE; Staggering $290M Jackpot Creates Excitement Even for Past Winners

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s first Powerball jackpot winners remain faithful Lottery players and have high hopes a Tennessean will win Saturday’s estimated grand prize of a staggering $290 million.

“It’s time another Tennessean won,” said Brian Hubbard, the son of Bobbi Hubbard of South Pittsburg, Tenn., who was the state’s first winner of a Powerball jackpot of $25.5 million in March 2005. While Brian admits some things have changed, such as more vacations a new car and house, his life has continued much like before his mother purchased the lucky ticket that put the family and their community in the spotlight.

“We still work and get a paycheck, but life is easier when you don’t have to worry about money,” he said. Any advice for the state’s next big winners? “Don’t blow it all,” Brian said. “Sure, we spent some, but we’ve invested most of it. We’ve had a great time. Everyone has been so nice,” he said, admitting that not a day goes by without a friend or customer mentioning the Hubbard’s good fortune.

Brian, who is keeping an eye on the family business this week while the rest of the clan are vacationing in Mexico, has purchased “several” tickets for Saturday night’s Powerball drawing, which sets a new record high for Tennessee since the Lottery joined the multi-state game in April 2004. If the jackpot is hit on Saturday, the estimated $290 million would rank as the fourth largest in the game’s history.

“Brisk sales and a record-high jackpot are good news for players and the families and students who can enjoy the educational programs we fund,” said Rebecca Paul, CEO and President of the Tennessee Lottery.

Powerball drawings are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:59 p.m. CST (10:59 p.m. EST). In addition to Powerball, Lotto 5 drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 10:34 p.m. CST (11:34 p.m. EST). CASH 3 and CASH 4 drawings are held every night at 6:28 p.m. CST (7:28 p.m. EST). Watch for all drawings on official Tennessee Lottery television stations throughout the state.

The Tennessee Lottery began selling its first tickets on January 20, 2004. As of June 30, 2005, the Lottery had raised more than $359 million to fund specific education programs, including college scholarships, pre-kindergarten and after-school programs. For more information, please visit www.tnlottery.com. For information about Lottery-funded scholarships, visit www.collegepaystn.com.