IL1 Lehigh Valley IronPigs

IronPigs Unveil Schedule For Opening Day

Published on March 30, 2009 under International League (IL1)
Lehigh Valley IronPigs News Release


(Allentown, Pa.) - The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have announced the schedule of events at Coca-Cola Park for Opening Day presented by OAA Orthopaedic Specialists on Thursday, April 9, at 7:05 p.m. against the reigning International League champion Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. The festivities include an appearance by Larry Holmes -- the former Heavyweight Champion of the World and a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame - who will throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch. The Opening Day schedule is also highlighted by gates opening early at 5:30 p.m., a U.S. Navy Parachute Team routine and a C-130 flyover of Coca-Cola Park.

Limited Field Level and General Admission tickets still remain for Opening Day and can be purchased in-person at Coca-Cola Park, by calling (610) 841-PIGS or online at ironpigsbaseball.com. Prices for single-game tickets remain identical to 2008 and start as low as $6 for General Admission, granting fans access to the Capital BlueCross Lawn seating area and standing room only areas. Field Level reserved seats are just $9.

Larry Holmes reigned as Heavyweight Champion for nearly a decade, successfully defending his crown 20 times - the second-longest title run in heavyweight history. The long-time Lehigh Valley resident earned the nickname "The Easton Assassin" while winning his first 48 bouts and defeating, among others, Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton and Earnie Shavers. Holmes first captured the heavyweight championship with a victory over Ken Norton by decision in 1978, winning the fight with a final round cited by boxing historians and experts as one of the greatest in boxing history. In a career that spanned more than three decades, Holmes posted an impressive 69-6 overall record and notched 44 knockouts.

In addition to the on-field appearance by Holmes, numerous events are planned to begin when the gates open at 5:30 p.m., including performances by strolling barbershop quartets in and around Coca-Cola Park.

The on-field pageantry will include formal introductions of both the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in a special pre-game ceremony. Immediately following the pre-game team introductions, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team - a group of U.S. Navy SEAL and SWCC commandos also referred to as "The Leap Frogs" -- will descend onto the field at Coca-Cola Park.

The National Anthem will be performed by the eight-person group, Redeemed. At anthem's end, a C-130 military aircraft will perform a Coca-Cola Park flyover, signifying the return of baseball in 2009.

Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking. Those traveling from downtown Allentown are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance. Coca-Cola Park lots can also be accessed off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.

The Coca-Cola Park lots will open promptly at 4:30 p.m. on Opening Day. The cost of parking for all IronPigs home games is $3 per vehicle.

Single-game tickets, mini-plan packages and group tickets for all 72 IronPigs home games are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS.

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International League Stories from March 30, 2009


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