Pirates announce plans for festive home opener

03/28/2006
The Pittsburgh Pirates have slated a series of events to celebrate the 2006 regular season home opener on Monday, April 10, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The game, presented by PNC Bank, is scheduled to start at 1:35 p.m. and will mark the home debut of new manager Jim Tracy, his coaching staff and the newest Pirates players. Lefthander Zach Duke is scheduled to be the starting pitcher for the Home Opener. Presented by PNC Bank, the All-Star themed festivities celebrating the Pirates 2006 home opener will include:
Master of ceremonies and "Voice of the Pirates" Lanny Frattare will host the pregame activities and introduce the 2006 Pittsburgh Pirates. The 2006 season marks Frattare's 31st behind the microphone, making him the longest tenured broadcaster in Pirates history.
The Pirates will salute their own "All-Star" when Kevin McClatchy, Pirates CEO and Managing General Partner, presents the annual "Pride of the Pirates" award. The award was created in 1990 to recognize members of the Pirates family who have demonstrated the qualities of sportsmanship, dedication and outstanding character during a lifetime of service. Last year's winner was the team's longtime organist, Vince Lascheid.
In honor of the servicemen and women who are serving our country around the world, the colors will be presented by representatives from all five branches of the military.
God Bless America will be performed by a solo trumpeter and active serviceman from the Washington D.C.-based United States Army Field Band.
Star of the hit television show, "American Idol," and Curb Recording Artist Kimberley Locke will perform the National Anthem. Locke's single, "8th World Wonder" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts at No. 1. Her second album is due out this May.
Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, and Pittsburgh native, Michael Keaton will throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch. In addition, all fans will receive a 2006 Pittsburgh Pirates magnetic schedule, courtesy of PNC Bank, a Pirates eye patch, as well as a commemorative Major League Baseball 2006 Opening Day poster and Opening Day Trading Card packs. The Home Opener also marks the kick-off to the Pirates new aggressive promotional schedule with everybody wins McDonald's Scratch n' Win Mondays, where everyone in the ballpark receives a scratch card and is guaranteed to win a prize. Nine lucky fans will receive autographed Pirates jerseys. All fans can also enter to win a customized special All-Star edition Pirates Harley Davidson motorcycle. A limited number of tickets are still available for the Home Opener and can be purchased by calling 1-800-BUY-BUCS, on the Pirates website at www.pirates.com, or at the PNC Park box office. The PNC Park box office is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The following is a schedule of events for the afternoon:
Federal Street closes to traffic at 10 a.m. marking the start of the festivities
The Boilermaker Jazz Band will perform live on Federal Street starting at approximately 11 a.m.
Scouting for Food representatives will be accepting non-perishable food donations on Federal Street beginning at 11 a.m.
Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
All fans will receive a 2006 Pirates magnetic schedule, courtesy of PNC Bank and a Pirates eye patch upon entering the ballpark
Fans can also pick up a free commemorative Major League Baseball 2006 Opening Day poster and Opening Day Trading Card packs at guest relations kiosks
Introduction of the 2006 Pittsburgh Pirates
Presentation of the 2006 "Pride of the Pirates" Award
Colors presented by representatives from all five branches of the U.S. military
God Bless America performed by US Army Field Band trumpeter
National Anthem performed by American Idol star Kimberley Locke
Ceremonial first pitch by actor and Pittsburgh native, Michael Keaton

Source: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/