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January 14, 2009 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks announced Wednesday detailed plans for this summer’s Frontier League All-Star Game.
The RiverHawks host the league’s annual midsummer classic at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 in the culmination of two days of festivities. Planned events include a game between former Chicago White Sox and Cubs, the return of the Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest, a golf outing, home-run derby, fireworks and numerous autograph opportunities. The national anthem will be performed by Wayne Messmer, the public-address announcer at Wrigley Field.
“The Frontier League is proud to bring the League's showcase event to Rockford,” Frontier League commissioner Bill Lee said. “The game has grown tremendously in its stature and has been a great asset to all of the clubs that have hosted it. I am confident that the entire Rockford area will be excited to host this great event.”
Tickets for the All-Star Game are $15. A two-day pass for all events at Road Ranger Stadium is $25. Tickets are currently available only to fans with full or partial-season ticket plans. An all-star ticket is included with purchase of a full-season plan. Call (815) 885-BALL for ticket information.
“With roughly a third of the tickets already sold to sponsors and to season-ticket holders, the best way to guarantee your seat is to pick up a ticket plan now and guarantee your seat before single-game seats go on sale,” RiverHawks general manager Josh Olerud said.
The Frontier League All-Star Game has sold out each of the last 10 years. Last year’s two-day All-Star events drew more than 9,000 to Wuerfel Park, home of the Traverse City Beach Bums.
“With what we’ve put together and the success from last year’s event, we strongly feel that that’s an attendance figure that is realistic,” Olerud said.
Olerud added that sponsorship support from the local business community has been very positive and that the event will have an economic impact on Rockford.
“In addition to more than 100 league players, coaches, team personnel and members of the league office, we anticipate a two-day sellout that will benefit the community economically in numerous ways,” Olerud said. “In particular, the Legends Game is likely to bring in fans who have never been to Rockford. These are people who will be customers at local establishments and be staying in area hotels.”
Lee said: “On behalf of the entire league, I want to thank Josh Olerud and the entire RiverHawks staff for all of the hard work they have already done to lay the groundwork for a tremendous event. We know they will continue to do their utmost to make the game a great success.”
The kickoff is at noon Tuesday, July 14 with the All-Star Banquet at the Clock Tower Resort for players, coaches, league staff and event sponsors.
The Clock Tower Resort and CoCo Key Water Resort, at 7801 E. State St., is the Official Hotel of the 2009 Frontier League All-Star Game. Call (815) 398-6000 for reservations.
Stars of yesterday take center stage for much of that evening in the Cubs/Sox Legends Game. Two autograph sessions, 4-5 p.m. for the former major-leaguers, and 5-6 p.m. for the Frontier League All-Stars, takes place prior to the Legends Game, which starts at 6 p.m.
The league’s annual Home Run Derby follows at 8:30 p.m. While that’s going on, the Legends will return to the autograph tables at 9 p.m. for a second one-hour signing session. Following the Home Run Derby, the RiverHawks will hold a live Cubs/White Sox jersey auction with all proceeds going to the Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities.
The action starts early on July 15 with the start of the All-Star Golf Outing scheduled for 8 a.m. at Aldeen Golf Course, 1902 Reid Farm Rd.
The Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest, which features 25 inflatable play structures, games and a traveling baseball museum, opens at 4 p.m. The gates of Road Ranger Stadium also open at 4 p.m. for an autograph session with the all-stars.
Fireworks will follow the game.
Click here to download the complete all-star itinerary.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 17th season this summer. The RiverHawks will begin their eighth season at 7:05 p.m. May 21 at Windy City and play their home opener at 7:05 p.m. May 26 against the Midwest Sliders of Ypsilanti. Fans can visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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