Specialty Jersey Night to Honor Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Bristol Pirates are excited to host the first-ever specialty jersey night at Boyce Cox Field next Thursday, August 18, when the Pirates play host to their division-rival Johnson City Cardinals.

Pirates' players and staff will sport special jerseys for the one game, in support of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), courtesy of the generous support of Food City.

NASCAR legend and PVA supporter Richard Petty will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, along with NASCAR driver Aric Almirola and the president of the PVA, Bill Lawson.

Following the game, Petty and the player or staff member wearing each jersey will autograph the jerseys.

During the game, fans can bid on the jersey of their favorite players in a silent auction conducted in the ballpark pavilion on the third-base side of the field. Following the game, until the end of the Pirates' regular season, bidding will continue online at www.milbauctions.com.

Gates will open early at the special time of 4:30 p.m., for this game, which promises to draw a large crowd. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m., and fans are invited to stay after the game and enjoy the transporter parade as it makes its way down Euclid Avenue, past the ballpark. It is expected that the parade will also feature fireworks.

"We are tremendously excited to host this event, and the King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, and to be able to call attention to the wonderful work the PVA does across the country," noted Pirates' General Manager Mahlon Luttrell. "We would not have been able to do this without the wonderful support of our friends at Food City."

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