Photo squares on sale for Autism Awareness Jerseys
The Quad Cities River Bandits are again offering fans the chance to put their photographs in small squares in the team's jersey numbers for the annual photo jersey auction on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC on Aug. 8 at Modern Woodmen Park. All of the proceeds of the square purchases and jersey auction will benefit the Quad Cities Autism Center Inc.
At $25 per square, fans can purchase a space in the River Bandits' jersey numbers to feature a photograph of themselves, a family member or friend, or a picture chosen by the Quad Cities Autism Center. A limited number of squares are available, and each square comes with a certificate of purchase. Each square is guaranteed to be on at least one jersey, and the maximum individual order is five squares.
In 2012, the River Bandits became the first U.S. professional sports team to hold a photo jersey auction for charity, and the team's second annual event was recognized last season with the annual Golden Bobblehead Award for the Best Charity Promotion or Event in Minor League Baseball.
"We are thrilled to partner again with the Quad Cities Autism Center to give River Bandits fans another incredible opportunity to be part of a nationally-recognized promotion and help fight autism right here in the Quad Cities," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "The Quad Cities community has shown generous and enthusiastic support for the photo jersey auction and has demonstrated its determination to help fight autism, and we are excited for another memorable event at Modern Woodmen Park!"
In 2013, the River Bandits' Autism Awareness Night raised more than $12,000. The promotion was selected in September 2013 among nearly 200 nominations as a finalist in its promotional category. It was later selected as the 2013 Golden Bobblehead Award winner for Best Charity Promotion or Event at Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar in Louisville, Ky., last September.
Fans can order the photo squares by completing the form at www.riverbandits.com, calling 563-324-3000 or emailing [email protected].
UP NEXT: The River Bandits return home for the Fourth of July weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. game Friday, July 4, to be followed by Fourth of July Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, and Space Camp opened June 20. Soon to come is another new ride, this one called a "Drop and Twist." In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.