R-Phils Announce Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Night and the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Celebration

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Phillies are pleased to announce Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Night and the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Celebration at FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, August 11th. The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Schuylkill County’s Bicentennial Steering Committee have partnered with the R-Phils to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Schuylkill County.

“The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is extremely excited to partner with the Schuylkill Bicentennial Celebration to have our annual Reading Phillies night,” said Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Carl. “We look forward to an excellent turnout at the ballpark from Schuylkill County, celebrating 200 years of history, and enjoying the celebration of our members and all Schuylkill County residents watching and enjoying the Reading Phillies.”

The exciting partnership comes in the midst of the Reading Phillies’ $10 million dollar renovations to FirstEnergy Stadium, highlighted by the addition of VIST Financial Plaza, and the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage.

“The Bicentennial Steering Committee is thrilled to have the Reading Phillies and our own Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce join us in celebrating Schuylkill County’s 200th birthday,” said Mike McCord, Schuylkill County Register of Wills and Bicentennial Steering Committee Co-Chairman. “What better way to celebrate than with a baseball game. The Reading Phillies are good old-fashioned wholesome family fun -- I’m looking forward to it.”

Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Night and the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Celebration at the Reading Phillies will highlight a long list of Partnered Events with the Bicentennial Steering Committee.

VIST Financial Plaza Gates open at 5:00 PM on August 11, and fans can enjoy live music on the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage. The R-Phils will face the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles) at 7:05 PM and the exciting night will conclude with a thrilling post-game fireworks show, presented by Pepsi.

“We’re proud to be hosting Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Night and the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Celebration,” said Reading Phillies General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “The Schuylkill Chamber’s night has solidified itself as a yearly tradition here, and the opportunity to celebrate Schuylkill County’s bicentennial is a perfect fit.”

The event is being fueled by Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce members partnering with the Chamber. Participating sponsors will receive outstanding marketing and hospitality benefits from the Chamber and the R-Phils. To become a sponsor, or for more information on Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Night and the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Celebration at the Reading Phillies, please contact the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce’s Member Services Director Rebecca Wagner at (570) 622-1942.

In addition to the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Night and the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Celebration, the R-Phils will also play host to Coal Region Nights. The success from Coal Region Nights, which celebrated Schuylkill County in 2010, prompted its return for the 2011 season.

There will be three very special Coal Region Nights in 2011, with the first being held on Friday, April 29, the second on Friday, July 22, and the third and final one of 2011, on Friday, August 19. Fans that come out to the game on April 29 will also get to enjoy a special Irish Heritage Night at America’s Classic Ballpark. On both Friday, July 22, and Friday, August 19, fans can enjoy an exceptional pre and post-game concert with Mixx on the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage, as well as great post-game fireworks.

The Reading Phillies will open the 2011 season at the newly-renovated FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, April 14 for a 7:05 p.m. game against the Akron Aeros. Fans interested in renewing their season tickets and mini-plans, can do so now by visiting readingphillies.com, or by calling 610-370-BALL. Individual game tickets for Opening Weekend will go on-sale Friday, February 4, while all other individual game tickets will go on-sale online on Friday, February 18 and via phone and walk-up orders on Monday, February 28. R-Phils Tickets -- Same Great Price. America's Classic Ballpark...Just Got Even Better.