U.S. Cellular to be SL ASG title sponsor

KODAK, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Smokies proudly announced today that Chicago-based wireless carrier U.S. Cellular will be the title sponsor of this season's Southern League All-Star Game, to be called the 2012 U.S. Cellular Southern League All-Star Game. The game takes place Tuesday, June 19, at Smokies Park. It will be the first time Smokies Park has hosted the midsummer classic since 2002.

"We are very excited to bring U.S. Cellular on board as the presenting sponsor of the 2012 Southern League All-Star Game," said Brian Cox, Smokies general manager. "The All-Star Game is such a prestigious event to come to East Tennessee, and U.S. Cellular is a great fit for the Smokies and the League."

Tickets for the U.S. Cellular Southern League All-Star Game and surrounding events will go on sale this Friday, April 13 at 10 a.m.

"East Tennessee is home to many U.S. Cellular associates, customers, friends and family, and we're looking forward to welcoming the Southern League All-Star Game and baseball fans to our area," said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. "U.S. Cellular has been a supporter of the Tennessee Smokies since 2000, and we're thrilled to enhance the fan experience by helping to bring the extra excitement and fun of the All-Star Game back to Tennessee and to Smokies Park."

The All-Star Game gives the Smokies the chance to put on display some of the great attractions East Tennessee has to offer. On Monday, June 18, the Smokies will be holding a mini-golf tournament hosted by Ripley's Old McDonald's Farm Mini-Golf in Sevierville. Fans will have the opportunity to play mini-golf with some of the Southern League's brightest stars.

On Tuesday, June 19, the All-Stars will be treated to a luncheon at the Lumberjack Feud Dinner and Show in Pigeon Forge. At this event, players and fans will be treated to a portion of the Lumberjack Feud show while enjoying lunch and the All-Stars will receive their awards.

The players will then move on to Smokies Park, where gates will open at 3 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to get autographs from the 2012 All-Stars during the Hard Rock Café Gatlinburg Autograph Session. The heavy hitters will then take center stage at the Home Run Derby, sponsored by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.

Following the U.S. Cellular Southern League All-Star Game, fans will have an opportunity to enjoy a postgame party in the Double Play Café at Smokies Park.

For more information, fans can visit www.smokiesbaseball.com or call (865) 286-2300.