the team will always suck unless they have more revenue to get players, more revenue means more people in the seats. stop complaining about it and do something. Come out and see a game or two on a nice night. We also have 11 weekday afternoon games during the season and usually offer a business person’s special(check out the website for details). Here’s a good excuse for those who work in town to get out and have a beer on a work day. Here’s our promotional schedule for this season.
Fan-favorite Bobbleheads will return to PNC Park with a collectible series that includes a Jason Bay “NL Rookie of the Year” Bobblehead (April 15), an Oliver Perez Bobblehead (May 21) and the Pirates first “dual” bobblehead, a Steve Blass/Manny Sanguillen Bobblehead (June 8). Postgame fireworks shows are planned for every month of the regular season from April through September. “Skyblast”, which traditionally sells-out, lights up the skies on August 5. Because of “Skyblast’s” popularity, a second show will take place on August 6 “Skyblast reloaded”.
New for 2005 are a collectible series of miniature replicas of the three bronze statues that grace the entrances of PNC Park. A replica Honus Wagner statue (April 30), a replica Roberto Clemente statue (September 17) and a Willie Stargell replica statue (July 8) will be given to all fans.
In addition, the Pirates will feature in 2005 several weekend and week-long themed promotions. Among them are:
· African American Heritage Weekend (July 8 - 9). In addition to the Stargell statue giveaway on July 8, Negro League team, Pittsburgh Crawford caps will go to all fans on July 9. On that date, the Pirates will play in retro Crawford uniforms, and a live, Motown style music feature will follow the game on Federal Street.
· 1960 “Turn Back the Clock” extravaganza - will take place the second week of June, as the Pirates celebrate the 45th anniversary of the 1960 World Series Champion team. On June 10, all fans will receive miniature Forbes Field replicas. On June 11, the Pirates will host a 1960 “Turn Back the Clock Night” featuring pregame ceremonies honoring members of the 1960’s team AND all fans will receive a Bill Mazeroski figurine. On June 12, Kids age 12 and under will receive a special Kids 1960 Replica Jersey giveaway.
· “The Last Week of Fun, Back To School” promotion (August 25-28). On August 25, Kids 12 and under will get in free. On August 27, all Kids will receive School Binders, and on August 28, Kids will get Draw String Backpacks. In addition, during each inning of these four games, the Pirates will give away a new personal computer to lucky fans in attendance. A total of thirty-six (36) computers will be given away.
· “Celebrate Labor Week” - in September, the Pirates will salute the rich history of Pittsburgh labor. On September 2, the Pirates will light up the skies with a “Salute to Labor Fireworks Show”. Pirates Hard Hats will be given away on September 3 and on September 4, all Kids will receive a “Bob the Builder” giveaway. Special labor union pregame ceremonies and ticket offers will be announced at a later date.
· “All-Star Stretch Run” - in anticipation of the 2006 MLB All-Star Game to be played at PNC Park on Tuesday, July 11, 2006, special “All-Star” related promotions will be featured during the last seven home games of the regular season. During those games, fans can collect a Limited Edition, Pirates All-Star Baseball Card Series, featuring the best Pirates All-Stars of all time. Other “All-Star” giveaways include a 2006 All-Star Game Cap (September 16) and an All-Star Jack Wilson, Jack-in-the-Box (September 18) for kids 12 and under.
A complete 2005 Pirates Promotional Schedule is attached. For Pirates Season Tickets and Group information, fans may call 1-800-BUY-BUCS.