Bettis to attend Curve's Home Opener
Bettis, who is part of the ownership group for both the Curve and Class-A Short-Season State College Spikes, will be making his first appearance at Blair County Ballpark since the 2004 season. Since then, "The Bus" finished his amazing 13-year playing career as the fifth-leading rusher in NFL history with 13,662 yards, won his only Super Bowl title with the Steelers in February 2006 in his hometown of Detroit, and launched a television career as a studio analyst for NBC's Sunday Night NFL package.
"Having Jerome here for our April 3 Home Opener is a fitting way to kick off our Tenth Anniversary celebration and to help build momentum for what should be the best and most unpredictable season of Curve Baseball yet," said Curve General Manager Todd Parnell. "The Bus is one of the most engaging and popular sports figures of his generation and we are excited to welcome him back to Blair County and fortunate to have him as a member of the Curve Family."
A six-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, Jerome spent 10 of his 13 NFL seasons with the Steelers and helped Pittsburgh reach the AFC playoffs six times, including four trips to the AFC Championship Game and an appearance in Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006. Following the Steelers' 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Bettis announced his retirement from professional football, affording him the very rare opportunity among pro athletes to leave the field for the final time as a champion.
The bruising running back, known by his legions of fans as "The Bus," quickly rose to superstar status in the Steel City, not only through his excellence on the gridiron, but through his efforts in the city's social arenas. Traded to the Steelers from the St. Louis Rams before the 1996 season, Bettis started "The Bus Stops Here" Foundation to help improve the overall quality of life for troubled and underprivileged children in Pittsburgh. In 1997, he received the "Pittsburgh Dapper Dan Man of the Year Award" for his work on social issues in the community. Jerome continues his campaign for community involvement with continued support of various programs and endless work by his Foundation. He was acknowledged by the league for his work when he was named the 2002 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year.
Single-game tickets for the April 3 Home Opener, as well as the rest of the Curve's 2008 home schedule, will go on sale to the public on Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. in conjunction with the club's annual TicketPalooza event at Blair County Ballpark. However, fans can reserve their Home Opener tickets as well as the best seats to all 2008 Curve home games today by purchasing Season Tickets, Mini-Plan packages, a minimum 25-person group ticket package, picnics, birthday parties, or luxury suite rentals. To order any Curve ticket package or for additional information fans can call (814) 943-5400 or toll-free at (877) 99-CURVE, or visit AltoonaCurve.com.