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Homestand Kicks Off With 4th of July Celebration

Upcoming 9 Home Games Feature 3 Spectacular Firework Shows
July 2, 2009
Fresno, CA - What's more American than baseball and fireworks on the Fourth of July? The Fresno Grizzlies return home to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, July 4th for their annual Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza, a massive celebration that kicks off an eventful nine game homestand for the team. The stretch of games at Chukchansi Park includes two additional fireworks shows, a Scott McClain Bobblehead giveaway, and visits from two division rivals in the Las Vegas 51s and Sacramento River Cats.

The U.S. Army and ABC 30 present the Grizzlies' annual Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday, July 4th. Chukchansi Park continues its tradition of hosting the biggest 4th of July celebration in the Central Valley, with a huge fireworks show slated to begin upon conclusion of the Grizzlies game against the Las Vegas 51s (Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays). First pitch on Saturday is slated for 7:05 pm PDT and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for this game. Stadium gates will open at 5:35 pm PDT in anticipation of the large crowd.

For fans that cannot get enough of the patriotic spirit, the holiday weekend celebration continues with another Fireworks show on Sunday, July 5th, presented by Save Mart Supermarkets. Game two of the series against Las Vegas will also be Military Appreciation Night, sponsored by KMJ 580. In the Grizzlies' annual salute to our Nation's service men and women, all active and retired military personnel will receive free tickets to Sunday's game upon presentation of valid ID at the Chukchansi Park box office. The 7:05 pm PDT Save Mart Sunday game will also feature the pregame Future Giants Autograph Session on the concourse.

On Monday, July 6th, the Grizzlies offer the best sports entertainment value anywhere, Monday Madness presented by ABC 30. For just $22, fans get two Field Level Reserve Tickets, two hot dogs, two sodas, two Wild Water Adventure Park passes, and two rounds of mini-golf at Blackbeard's. Fans are encouraged to purchase Monday Madness packages in advance by calling 559.320.TIXS or visiting the Chukchansi Park box office, as demand for the value-laden offer has skyrocketed over the past several Monday home dates.

The final game of the Las Vegas series on Tuesday, July 7th gives fans another great promotion to take advantage of in All You Can Eat Tuesday, presented by Mega 97.9. For just $15, Grizzlies fans can get a ticket to the game, and enjoy all the hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soda, and water they can handle from 6:05 pm until 8:30 pm.

The Grizzlies play host to the division leading, arch rival Sacramento River Cats for five games beginning on Wednesday, July 8th. With the Grizzlies looking to inch closer to first place, The Fresno Bee presents Way Back Wednesday where kids 12 and under, seniors 55 and over, and active military personnel with valid ID can purchase a specially priced $2 Field Level Reserve game ticket.

Wednesday's game will also feature several special demonstrations and performances, as the Grizzlies team up with Central Unified School District, the Fresno County Office of Education, and the Central Valley Afterschool Foundation for National Summer Learning Day. Hundreds of students will take part in talent showcases from musical and dance performances, to art and project exhibits throughout the ballpark, highlighting the opportunities for kids to remain active learners all summer long through various afterschool programs. The Grizzlies will also welcome chalk artist Mark Wagner Wednesday night, as he will commemorate National Summer Learning Day with a stunning 3-D chalk art masterpiece in the Tulare Plaza at Chukchansi Park.

Thirsty Thursday, presented by Tecate and 95.7 The Fox, returns to downtown Fresno on Thursday, July 9th. Fans can enjoy $1 12 oz. or $2 20 oz. Tecate and Tecate Light beers through the end of the fifth inning and $1 sodas all game long. Gates and taps open at 6:05 pm PDT, with live music being performed in the Tecate Cantina.

The Central California Blood Center presents Friday Night Fireworks on Friday, July 10th, the third and final pyrotechnic spectacular of the homestand. In conjunction with their involvement at Friday's game, the CCBC will join forces with the Grizzlies and Visalia Rawhide for the inaugural Line Drive Blood Drive. The friendly competition between the two Valley Minor League franchises looks to raise awareness and blood donations for the CCBC. The Drag Kings, the Grizzlies' world famous dancing grounds crew, also perform on Friday night.

In one of the most anticipated giveaways of the year, Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino presents a Scott McClain Bobblehead giveaway for the 2,500 fans on Saturday, July 11th. Always an extremely popular item, the bobblehead is a stunning likeness of the former Grizzly and Minor League home run king.

The Grizzlies conclude their series with Sacramento on another Save Mart Sunday, July 12th. The game will feature a unique 12:05 pm PDT Sunday game time as the Pacific Coast League heads into the All-Star break the next day. The noon start will feature the new Kids Eat Free promotion, where all kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free hot dog, bag of chips, and soda. Fans will also be able to take part in the Future Giants Autograph Session pregame and all Kids Run the Bases, thanks to Del Taco, following the final game of the homestand.

The Fresno Grizzlies return home Saturday, July 4th for a nine game homestand, including a four game set against the Las Vegas 51s and five games against the arch rival Sacramento River Cats. For information on tickets or the Grizzlies award-winning promotional calendar, call 559.320.TIXS or visit FresnoGrizzlies.com.