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Pirates Announce Motorsports Weekend

December 19, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL) - Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME- The Portland Pirates today announced details for an unprecedented "Motorsports Weekend" filled with hockey, motorsports, music, celebrities and more.

The weekend begins with the Pirates "Salute to Motorsports Night" at the Cumberland County Civic Center on Friday, January 13, 2006. On Friday afternoon doors open at 3:30 p.m. for a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia provided by Grandstand Sports. At 7:05 p.m., the Pirates host their arch-rival the Providence Bruins. Before and during the game, there will be local drivers and cars on display courtesy of the Oxford Plains Speedway. There will also be a video board presentation featuring the inspirational story of NASCAR driver Jerry Nadeau.

On Saturday at 3:00 p.m., 2005 American Idol, Carrie Underwood and The Don Campbell Band will perform an afternoon concert at the Cumberland County Civic Center to benefit the Jeff Gordon Foundation. Following the concert, NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, along with the Portland Pirates, the Bill Dodge Auto Group and Get-Etched.com, will partner for "The Winter Wonderland Gala with Jeff Gordon & Friends." The fundraising event for the Jeff Gordon Foundation will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland.

"The most rewarding blessing of my career is the ability reach beyond my own life and bring joy to those in need," said Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet. "Although my adrenaline peaks behind the wheel, the smile of a child in need is the fastest way to warm my heart. I extend my deepest appreciation to Carrie Underwood, The Portland Pirates, The Bill Dodge Auto Group and Get-Etched.com for helping me to further the work of my foundation."

On Friday afternoon, starting at 3:30 p.m., the Cumberland County Civic Center doors will open for a silent sports memorabilia auction featuring items from Grandstand Sports that include, a 2004 Boston Red Sox team-signed jersey, a David Ortiz autographed 16x20 photo, a Paul Pierce autographed official NBA basketball, a 2004 New England Patriots team-signed helmet, a Raymond Bourque autographed Boston Bruins jersey. The auction will also include a special Fantasy Package. The Fantasy Package includes a visit to your house from an original member of the 1980 USA Olympic Gold Hockey Team to watch the movie 'Miracle' with your friends and family.

When the doors open 3:30 p.m., there will also be a motorsports showcase of local driver's race cars, collectables and memorabilia presented by Bill Ryan and Oxford Plains Speedway.

At 5:30 p.m. there will be a special pre-game show sponsored by NAPA and Maine Indoor Karting. It will feature a video board presentation of the motivating and inspirational story of NASCAR driver Jerry Nadeau. The story contains a strong message of personal conviction, as well as tragedy and triumph, which will leave the audience with the belief that passion and perseverance can overcome all obstacles. After the presentation, Nadeau will address the crowd and share his remarkable story.

Also as part of the game, there will be numerous giveaways which will include tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert, tickets to the sold-out dinner and other motorsports racing items, including a chance to race against Jerry Nadeau on Saturday at Maine Indoor Karting.

The second day of the silent auction begins at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14th when the doors open for the concert by 2005 American Idol, Carrie Underwood presented by the Portland Pirates, GetEtched.com and the Bill Dodge Auto Group.

At 3:00 p.m., The Don Campbell Band will perform their country music hits featuring hooks and harmony-laiden melodies, emotionally pleasing lyrics and guitar and fiddle instrumentation. Following The Don Campbell Band, Carrie Underwood will take the stage.

Underwood, winner of three 2005 Billboard Music Awards, is sure to raise the roof in Portland. Tickets for the concert will be $45.00. Concert attendees will be further treated with a complimentary collectible granite coaster of Carrie Underwood provided by Get-Etched.com. This one of a kind item is only available by purchasing a ticket to the concert. Funds raised from the concert will go to the Jeff Gordon Foundation.

Following the concert, NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, along with the Portland Pirates, the Bill Dodge Auto Group and Get-Etched.com, will partner for "The Winter Wonderland Gala with Jeff Gordon & Friends" at 7:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. With a sold-out dinner and highly coveted auction items, the event is set to raise over $500,000 dollars for The Jeff Gordon Foundation charities. The dinner on Saturday will feature special guest Jeff Gordon, as well as some celebrity guests and conclusion of the silent auction presented by Grandstand Sports. Following the dinner, there will be a live auction featuring some very special and valuable gifts. The festivities will culminate with a live band featuring "Dr. Whitebread and His Jam."

VIP tickets will be available for $300 to the concert and will include the best seats in the house and a private "Meet and Greet" with Carrie Underwood. Only 100 VIP tickets are available. To order tickets, visit or call the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office at (207) 775-3458 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets for the Pirates game are available starting at just $6.00. The ticket to Friday's game will also provide access to the special silent auction and pre-game show featuring Jerry Nadeau. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, December 21st at 12:00 p.m. To order tickets, visit or call the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office at (207) 775-3458 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Established in 1999, The Jeff Gordon Foundation primarily provides support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation, The Marrow Foundation in partnership with the Hendrick Marrow Program, Riley Hospital for Children and Jeff Gordon's Children Hospital at NorthEast Medical Center. Knowing that gaining speed over serious illness is the greatest victory of all, Gordon and The Foundation are honored to bring needed monies and assistance to chronically ill children and their families.

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