Cedar Rapids, IA - It's a Party at the Park as the Cedar Rapids Kernels host the annual 'Meet the Kernels' night on Tuesday, April 5th starting at 5:00 pm.

The event is FREE to the public, with food and beverage available for purchase. The Kernels Bimm Ridder Diamond Shop will be open as well as the Kernels Kids Zone fun area.

The 2011 Kernels will mix and mingle with fans from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. A short program begins at 7:00 pm as Kernels' manager Brent Del Chiaro will introduce the team and talk briefly about the upcoming season. Then the Kernels will conduct a short workout under the lights at Perfect Game Field, which is open to the public.

The event will be held rain or shine. In the event the workout is postponed due to weather or wet grounds, the festivities will move to the main concourse at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Tickets to all 70 Kernel home games, season ticket packages, and 10-game Anytime Coupon Books, are available through the Kernels Ticket Office, the Bimm Ridder Diamond Shop and on-line at www.kernels.com. Ticket Office hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

The Kernels open the 2011 MWL season on the road starting Thursday, April 7th at Peoria. The home opener is Monday, April 11th against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 6:35 pm as the first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free 10th anniversary stadium t-shirt, courtesy the Best Western Longbranch. 2011 magnet schedules, courtesy of Mercy Care Community Physicians, will also be passed out through the entire opening home stand (April 11-14).