Cardinals, Price Cutter Create New Seating Section

Springfield, MO - Price Cutter and Bistro Market, both subsidiaries of local and employee-owned Pyramid Foods, are introducing a new fundraising program for local schools and non-profit organizations in collaboration with the Springfield Cardinals. The program, FastPitch Fundraising, is designed to give a boost to the fundraising efforts of these organizations.

An area in the Cardinals Stadium is being redesigned specifically for Price Cutter and Bistro Market. Construction will wrap up just in time for the Springfield Cardinals first home game on Thursday, revealing a premium patio space in the stands dawning the name "Bistro Garden." Construction crews have removed twelve rows of chair back seats behind first base and replaced them with four stadium rows. The seating has been traded with thirty two recliners. The Garden will be adorned with lush green plants from Lilly's Floral, located inside Price Cutter and Bistro Market.

Erick Taylor, CEO of Pyramid Foods, recognized the tough budget cuts facing our local schools, and the limited operating resources non-profits and charities have here in our community. "We are dedicated to helping non-profit organizations in our stores' local communities and support those that address hunger relief, education and health and human services," states Taylor.

Price Cutter and Bistro Market would like to give schools and non-profits the opportunity to raise money by selling all 32 tickets at no cost to them, for a value of over $1000. The home games will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis, limited to one night per organization and three nights per school. Those charities that receive funds through the Price Cutter Charity Championship are excluded at this time.

"We are so excited to be partnering with Price Cutter and Bistro Market on this philanthropic endeavor," Cardinals' Vice President and General Manager Matt Gifford said. "This new section of the ballpark enhances our fan experience by inviting more members of our community to Hammons Field to enjoy the future of Cardinals baseball in addition to raising money for great casues."

For more information or to reserve a night of FastPitch Fundraising, please contact Carolyn Callaghan at 417.829.9278, Lacey Waters at 417.829.9259 or visit www.pricecutteronline.com.

Tonight is the Home Opener at Hammons Field as 5,000 fans will receive a Great Southern 2011 Magnet Schedule/Picture Frames, the first of 11 "Buck a Brat" $1 Johnson Bratwurst nights and everyone will enjoy a post-game Fireworks Spectacular thanks to AM Pyrotechnics. Opening Night will also feature Hall of Famer Steve Carlton. Game time on Thursday is 7:07pm and tickets are available by visiting the Hammons Field Ticket Office, online at springfieldcardinals.com or by calling (417) 863-2143.

Escape to Cardinals Baseball!