Opening Day Activities to Begin Early
March 31, 2004 - Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
(ALTOONA, PA) â With just eight days remaining until its Home Opener next Thursday night at Blair County Ballpark, the Altoona Curve today announced the schedule of events and pre-game ceremonies for Opening Day. The Curve will host the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox' affiliate) beginning at 6:35 p.m. with ballpark gates to open at 5:00 (4:50 season ticket holders).
The activities at Blair County Ballpark will begin at 5:00 a.m. when Curve staff members will be at the ballpark's Upper Ticket Plaza along with local media outlets serving free hot dogs on the grille and continuing through a spectacular post-game fireworks show courtesy of Turkey Hill.
One of the main highlights of Opening Day will be a visit by 1979 Pirates' World Series hero Kent Tekulve. Tekulve will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game following a video tribute to "Teke" and the 25th Anniversary of the Bucs' 1979 World Championship team. Also as part of his visit to Altoona, the Pirates' great will be the featured speaker at the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's April Breakfast Club event to be held that morning beginning at 7:45 a.m. at the Ramada Inn of Altoona.
Among the highlights of Opening Night include the following...
Free hot dogs for fans visiting from 5:30-9 a.m. at Blair County Ballpark's Upper Ticket Plaza adjacent to Park Avenue
Pirates' World Series hero Kent Tekulve to speak at the Blair County Chamber of Commerce April Breakfast Club event beginning at 7:45 a.m. at the Ramada Inn of Altoona
Gates open to public at 5:00 p.m. (4:50 for season ticket holders) and the first 7,000 fans in attendance receive a free 2004 Curve Magnet Schedule courtesy of Turkey Hill
Introduction of the 2004 Altoona Curve players and coaching staff
Ceremonial first pitch by Kent Tekulve preceded by a video tribute to "Teke" and the 25th anniversary of the Pirates' 1979 World Championship team
Post-game fireworks show presented by Turkey Hill
In the meantime, the Curve will also be helping fans count down to next Thursday's Home Opener in a unique way. Beginning this Thursday at 6:35 p.m.âexactly one week from the time when the first pitch of the season will be thrownâthe Curve will shoot off a brief burst of fireworks above Blair County Ballpark each day at the exact time leading up to April 8th.
For tickets to Opening Night and all 71 Curve home games fans can visit the Blair County Ballpark Ticket Office or call (814) 943-5400 or toll-free at 1-877-99-CURVE. The Ticket Office is open weekdays from 9-5, Saturdays 10-2 and Sundays 12-2. Tickets are also available to purchase and print 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Curve's new on-line ticketing system at www.altoonacurve.com.
CURVE ANNOUNCES PARKING PRICES FOR 2004
The Altoona Curve has announced parking prices for the upcoming 2004 baseball season. Fans driving to any of the club's 71 home games can pay $2 to park in the Park Avenue garage or $3 in the VIP Lot adjacent to Blair County Ballpark when space is available in that lot. The prices represent a $1 increase from last season, and mark the first time in the six-year history of the franchise that parking rates have been adjusted.
"We continue to re-invest in both Blair County Ballpark and our franchise operations to enhance the experience of our fans," said Curve President and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg. "While no one enjoys increases, this is the first time parking prices have ever been adjusted, and our parking rates continue to be an outstanding value and favorable in comparison to other similar facilities around minor league baseball."
Eastern League Stories from March 31, 2004
- 8 Days Until The Season Opener - Trenton Thunder
- Opening Day Activities to Begin Early - Altoona Curve
- Reading Phillies up-sizing for 2004 - Reading Fightin Phils
- Sea Dogs Radio & TV Schedule - Portland Sea Dogs
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