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R-Phils announce unique partnership

Reading Air to fly EL All-Stars into town via private flights
May 17, 2012
With just less than two months to go until the Baseballtown All-Star Classic, the Reading Phillies have announced additional details in regards to the slate of events.

In one of the most unique partnerships across Minor League Baseball, the team has partnered with Reading Air Charter to fly Eastern League All-Stars into Reading Regional Airport via private flights for the All-Star Classic events.

"The partnership with READING AIR will allow us to provide first-class treatment to the Eastern League All-Stars who need to fly in from the Eastern League cities farthest from Baseballtown," said R-Phils general manager, Scott Hunsicker. "To be able to board a READING AIR private aircraft in their home city of Portland, Maine, or Erie, Pa., have a comfortable flight in a first-class setting, and step off the plane to more first-class treatment at the Reading Regional Airport , it's a good year to be an Eastern League All-Star thanks to READING AIR."

Following their final regular season games before the All-Star break, READING AIR will transport the Eastern League All-Stars from ballparks across the Northeast to Baseballtown for the two-day event's festivities, all by privately chartered flights. The team members will then depart to their next regular season series thanks, once again, to READING AIR.

"It's no secret that the Reading Phillies and FirstEnergy Stadium are recognized throughout all Minor League sports for being a top-notch and innovative organization", says Dave Weidler, READING AIR's business development manager. "Chartering private planes to get these All-Stars to the host city is unheard of. This is big for these young players, and for Baseballtown, but it's even bigger for the airport and for the City of Reading. The Reading Phillies sure know how to throw a party -- we're just glad we're invited!"

More details about the All-Star itinerary can be found at the Official Baseballtown All-Star Classic website found at www.Rphils.com/allstar online. The site will act as the headquarters for all things concerning the All-Star Classic including a history of the Eastern League All-Star Game, bios of some of the current MLB stars who played in the midsummer classic, and details about the series of Baseballtown All-Star Classic events consisting of the All-Star Gala, All-Star Luncheon, and other great events. It will also be the place where the All-Star team is eventually announced.

Previously announced back in January, the Baseballtown All-Star Classic Home Run Derby to benefit the United Way of Berks County will take place on Tuesday, July 10. While trying to hit a myriad of targets in the outfield, batters will be trying to tally the most points within a two-minute time limit. The Home Run Derby will feature thirty hitters each representing a United Way Partner Agency trying to rack up as many points as possible within the allotted time limit.

"This rapid fire system for each hitter will allow for the challenge to progress and be more intriguing, while not feeling so long and drawn out like your traditional derbies that you see year after year," elaborated Hunsicker.

Many home runs will land on the Coors Light Deck Picnic Area in left field, and a limited number of all-you-can-eat Deck Picnic tickets are available in this Home Run Landing Zone. For fans interested in tickets, please visit the newly launched www.RPhils.com/allstar website.

The Baseballtown All-Star Gala will follow the Baseballtown Home Run Derby on Tuesday, July 10, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Building 24. Tickets to the exclusive event cost $75 per person and include tasty appetizers, an open bar, and entertainment starring the popular act "The Fabulous Dueling Pianos".

On Wednesday, July 11, the Baseballtown All-Star Luncheon to benefit Baseballtown Charities will be held at the Reading Crowne Plaza at 11:30 a.m. During the event, each Eastern League All-Star will be sitting at tables alongside luncheon attendees prior to the Baseballtown All-Star Classic Game later that night. Fans will also be able to mingle and interact with the All-Stars throughout the event. All those who purchase a table are guaranteed to be seated with an All-Star at the luncheon. Following the luncheon, every Eastern League All-Star will partake in an autograph session at the hotel. Aside from the Home Run Derby, this will be the only time that Eastern League All-Stars will have a formal autograph session. Tickets for the event cost $60 each or $480 for an eight-person table.

The Baseballtown All-Star Classic Game is set to take place on Wednesday, July 11, at 7:05 p.m., featuring stars from the Eastern League's Eastern Division facing off against the Western Division. Tickets are selling very fast and fans are encouraged to secure their All-Star Classic tickets ASAP before they are all gone.

About Reading Air Charter
READING AIR is a private air charter company located at Reading Regional Airport offering on-demand travel solutions for business and lifestyle travelers. The Business Center and Charter Department are located in the main terminal. READING AIR's second location is on The North Ramp next to the Mid Atlantic Air Museum, and is home to their School of Flight and Service Center. Learn about all their offerings at www.readingair.com online.

About the Reading Phillies and the 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic
The Baseballtown All-Star Classic is presented by All Star Distributing, Service Electric, Penske, Susquehanna Bank, Betty's Salads, the Crowne Plaza Reading, READING AIR, White Star Travel Center, 830 AM WEEU, Rock Hits Y102, 69 WFMZ-TV, and the Reading Eagle.

Tickets for all 2012 regular season home games, as well as all Baseballtown All-Star Classic events, can be purchased online at www.RPhils.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in person at the R-Phils Ticket Office located at FirstEnergy Stadium. The 2012 season featuring the Baseballtown All-Star Classic at America's Classic Ballpark is presented by Pepsi.