MAY 2008
DC SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION AND DISTRICT’S DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION OFFER YOUTH FREE TICKETS AND TRANSPORTATION TO CONGRESSIONAL BANK BASEBALL CLASSIC
(Washington, DC) – Today, the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), in partnership with the Congressional Bank Baseball Classic, announced that a limited number of free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for the championship game to school-aged children at all DPR recreation centers. In addition, free bus transportation to and from the games will be offered at the following sites:
Parents and interested youth are asked to contact their local recreation center site manager for tickets and bus schedules.
“We are excited to offer free tickets and transportation for District youth to come see what will be a grand slam event,” said DCSEC Chief Executive Officer Gregory A. O’Dell. “We, along with our sponsors, all share a strong commitment to growing the game of baseball within our community and this tournament further enhances that baseball can be an integral part of the lives of our youth.”
The Congressional Bank Baseball Classic takes place on Saturday, May 31, 2008 and is the District’s first-ever, citywide high school baseball championship game. It will recognize baseball achievement and accomplishments at DC schools as well as outstanding student academia.
“Baseball is alive in the District of Columbia and DPR is excited to be a part of it,” said DPR Director Clark E. Ray. “There are few better ways to build baseball dreams in our youth than by giving them the chance to watch their friends and peers play in the same stadium and on the same field that the Washington Nationals call home. We are proud to be distributing tickets and providing transportation for District youth and look forward to a great day of fun.”
Washington Nationals Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman will join Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and DC Council Chairman Vincent Gray as honorary chairs of the Classic. In addition, Ryan will serve as a spokesperson for the event to help raise awareness of the games and the mission of supporting student athletes and building youth baseball in the District.
The Classic will play four games between area schools. The day’s line up begins with a game between the two top private school teams. That will be followed by the DC Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA) East against the West Division champions, and finally an All-Star game will feature players from across the region. The tournament will end with the DC High School Baseball Classic Championship, where the DCIAA and private/parochial game winners will face off.
The tournament will culminate in an evening celebration to award the championship trophy - The Modell’s Cup - as well as announce each team’s Most Valuable Player. The All-Star and championship games will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet. The Urban Nation Hip-Hop Choir, No Label and the Showbiz Dancers will liven the stage with upbeat performances.
The Classic’s primary sponsors are Congressional Bank, Modell’s Sporting Goods, The Washington Post, Nike, Fannie Mae and Georgetown University Hospital. Event proceeds will benefit DCIAA activities, equipment, mentoring programs and the participating schools. In addition, college scouts and coaches will be invited.
Promotion for the tournament will include an in-store campaign at Modell’s Sporting Goods, pro bono advertising in The Washington Post, public service announcements on Comcast Sportsnet and promotions at Nationals Park during the team’s home games. A rain date has been set for June 1, in the event of inclement weather.
About the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, oversaw the successful construction of the new Nationals Park and is responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the D.C. Armory and their adjacent facilities. The Commission is also charged with presenting and promoting sports, entertainment and special events.
About the Department of Parks and Recreation
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) presents quality urban recreation and leisure services to residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. The agency supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, and neighborhood recreation centers as well as coordinates a wide variety of programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, child care services, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities. For more information, visit us at www.dpr.dc.gov. |
