• by Tanya Gazdik , March 2, 2017

Infiniti, the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Nissan, is continuing its long-time partnership with Coaches vs. Cancer, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the NCAA.

Two teams of cancer survivors—called Hardwood Heroes—will go head-to-head at the University of Phoenix Stadium on March 31 to raise awareness for cancer research and survival.

Also a part of the partnership is the Round by Round Bracket Challenge, an Infiniti tradition since 2011 that has resulted in more than $4.1 million in donations to Coaches vs. Cancer. 

The automaker, an official NCAA Corporate Partner, is inviting fans to help in the fight against cancer by participating in the round-by-round bracket challenge by visiting CBSSports.com/INFINITI. For every correct pick during the challenge, which launches March 12, Infiniti will donate $1 to Coaches vs. Cancer, and participants will be entered to win a trip to the Final Four tournament.

“These survivors have proven that they are unstoppable, and each player has a story of courage and strength in winning their own battle against cancer,” says Allyson Witherspoon, director of marketing communications and media, Infiniti USA, in a release. “We had the opportunity to capture their unique stories and behind-the-scenes moments that will air throughout March Madness and the Final Four.”

Consumers can visit www.infinitiusa.com/hardwood-heroes to learn more about the initiative. 

CBS Sports and Turner Sports will capture footage at the Hardwood Heroes team practices and game during their coverage of Final Four weekend. Highlights will air between the two Final Four semifinal games on April 1, and prior to tip-off on Championship Monday on CBS. 

The brand is also sponsoring the Tip-Off Tailgate, the on-site, pre-game fan experience where fans can enjoy music, participate in a free throw competition and take a look at the Coaches vs. Cancer commemorative wall signed by the Hardwood Heroes. They can also get a closer look at the 2017 Infiniti QX30.