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Media alert
100 S. Church Avenue Contact:
Jack Donovan February 14, 2006 SPRING TRAINING SALES HIT RECORD HIGH Tucson, Ariz., February 14, 2006 – What do you have when you combine a world championship baseball team, devoted fans, and beautiful weather? Answer: A blockbuster year for Tucson Spring Training in 2006. This year is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for spring training sales in the Old Pueblo. In comparison with sales as of February 2005, Spring Training officials are reporting a 34 percent increase in ticket sales. While tickets are flying out of the box office, there is still availability for all games throughout March. Between the Cactus League’s Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago White Sox, over 50 Spring Training games will be played at Tucson Electric Park or Hi Corbett Field. Spring Training officials estimate the economic impact of the 2006 Spring Training season to be $30M and attendance to exceed 276,000.
Specialty EventsMarch 4 – Team Mexico plays the Diamondbacks. A 5:35 pm first pitch will launch a groundbreaking international event with two world-class teams. After the game, spectators will be treated to a fireworks extravaganza sponsored by WB 58 at TEP. March 4, 12, and 19 – Hat pin giveaway. The first 2000 fans through the TEP gates will receive commemorative White Sox, Diamondbacks, or a combination pin just for joining the excitement!
March 14 and 18 – Colorado Rockies autograph day. Several Rockies players will join fans on the concourse to sign autographs for ticket-holders beginning at 11:20am at Hi Corbett Field. March 18 – Chicago teams go head to head. Chicago’s World Champion White Sox will take on the Cubbies. An age-old rivalry promises to heat up the Old Pueblo at this game. First pitch is at 1:05pm at TEP. March 25 – Meet, greet and get a photo day. Fans have the opportunity to meet and have their photos taken with Colorado Rockies players and coaches on Hi Corbett Field starting at noon. For fans that can’t wait until regular season, Cactus League Spring Training games in Tucson are right around the corner. Get a piece of the action and order tickets while they’re hot. Visit www.tucsonbaseball.com for World Champion White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks; and phone 1-800-388-ROCK or visit www.coloradorockies.com for Colorado Rockies tickets.
Cactus League History: The cactus league began in 1946 when the owner of the Cleveland Indians, Bill Veeck brought his team from Florida to Arizona. His decision was based on the recruitment of Larry Doby, the American League’s first African American player. He felt that the racial climate in Arizona would be better for Doby and the team. Veeck wouldn’t move the team out, however, until he was able to convince the New York Giants owner Horace Stoneham to come along with him. Since 1946, professional baseball teams have come and gone in the Cactus league. Today 12 teams hold spring training games in seven cities around the state. For more information on the Cactus League, visit www.cactusleague.com. The MTCVB is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Tucson-area as a convention, visitor, and film production destination. It is financially supported by the City of Tucson, Pima County, the Town of Oro Valley and its nearly 800 individual and business members. Visit the MTCVB website at www.visitTucson.org or call 1.800.638.8350 for further information. ## |
