FRESNO, Calif. - The opportunity for local singers to perform in front of thousands of fans at Chukchansi Park is just one audition away. The Fresno Grizzlies will be holding auditions for local performers to sing the national anthem at one of the Grizzlies' 72 home games during the 2013 season this Saturday, February 16th at Sierra Vista Mall. The auditions will take place from 10 am to 2 pm.

Game-day performers will be selected based on overall performance quality and the ability to project vocals accurately. Participants must have the lyrics memorized and will have one minute and thirty seconds (1:30) to sing the Star Spangled Banner in a "traditional style" for their audition. A panel of judges will select the top "a capella" performances of the anthem.

"The opportunity to sing the National Anthem in front of the Chukchansi Park crowd is definitely a rare experience," Fresno Grizzlies Marketing Director Drew Vertiz said. "It's exciting to receive such a great response from our locals every year that want this chance. This year's audition will certainly bring out some exceptional talent."

The first occasion to hear one of the selected winners will be at the 2013 season opener at Chukchansi Park on Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. when the Grizzlies take on the Tacoma Rainiers.

Sierra Vista is located near the intersection of Shaw and Clovis in Clovis, CA. Auditions will be held near the center court location. For more information, please contact Chris Kutz at (559) 320-2526 or email him here.