"Animal" Day at BB&T Ballpark Set for June 8th
June 3, 2014 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(Uptown Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Knights are set to welcome dogs and one of the most recognizable names in professional wrestling history -- George "the Animal" Steele -- to BB&T Ballpark as part of "Animal Day" on Sunday, June 8. The Knights will host a 2:05 p.m. game against the Columbus Clippers (Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians).
BB&T Ballpark gates will open at 1:00 p.m. and George "the Animal" Steele will meet fans and sign autographs. "The Animal" -- a 2005 inductee into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame -- will also throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Sunday.
In a wrestling career that spanned parts of five decades, Steele made his WWE debut in 1967 and regularly wrestled champion Bruno Sammartino, and the likes of Gorilla Monsoon, Pedro Morales, and Bob Backlund. For nearly 20 years, he wrestled as a rule-breaker and came close to winning the WWE Championship on several occasions. In 1985, the Detroit, MI native became a fan-favorite and went on to become one of the most popular wrestlers in the sport.
Although he retired in 1988, Steele still wrestled occasionally in the 1990's and again in the 2000's. In 1994, he starred in Tim Burton's movie "Ed Wood" playing Tor Johnson. A year later, he was honored for his remarkable wrestling career when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (1995). Steele, who is now 77 years old, is also a retired teacher, amateur wrestling coach, and football coach at Madison High School in Madison Heights, MI.
Fans will also have a chance to bring their dogs to the game on June 8 as the Knights will welcome canines of all ages to the ballpark. Any fan holding a ticket to Sunday's 2:05 p.m. game will be able to bring their pooch to the ballpark at no extra charge. Dogs are allowed in the seating bowl and grass berm areas only. The Humane Society of York County will also be on hand to give fans an opportunity to adopt a dog. Fans bringing their dogs to the ballpark are encouraged to make a $5 donation with proceeds benefitting the Humane Society of York County.
Sundays are also Sunbelt Sundays, presented by Sunbelt Rentals. Kids can "Run the Bases" after Sunday's game.
Tickets for this game, as well as single-game tickets for games during the inaugural 2014 season at BB&T Ballpark are available by phone at 704-357-8071, online at www.charlotteknights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office. Uptown Knights Are Better Than Ever!
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