Fan Fest 2008 Info: Press Release From the Baltimore Orioles...

From the kind folks at the Baltimore Orioles - Saturday should be fun for the whole family, and there'll be tons to do!

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FANFEST TO FEATURE ON-FIELD WORKOUT, AUTOGRAPHS AND MORE THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 29
Over 35 Current and Former Orioles to Sign Autographs for Fans

The kickoff to the Orioles’ 2008 season begins this Saturday, March 29, at Camden Yards with Orioles FanFest, a day-long celebration of baseball. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the team work out on the field, get autographs from their favorite current and former Orioles players, participate in Fan Forums throughout the day and pose for photos with the 1983 World Series trophy at the event, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the ballpark. The event will also give fans a sneak peek at the Orioles’ new ballpark entertainment system, including the center field scoreboards, right field out-of-town scoreboard and auxiliary boards on the club level and upper deck fascia.

Season Plan Holders will have early access to the event, with Gates A & H opening at 9:00 a.m. An exclusive “State of the Orioles” address featuring President of Baseball Operations ANDY MacPHAIL and Manager DAVE TREMBLEY is scheduled for 9:45 a.m.

General admittance begins at 10:30 a.m. at Gate C. Fan forums will begin at 10:45 a.m. and last throughout the day in Pastimes Café. The two-hour autograph session will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a team workout at 1:15 p.m. Fans may pose for photos with the 1983 World Series trophy in Championship Café from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

During the two-hour autograph time, eight stations with at least three current players each will be located around the Camden Yards warning track. Fans can select where they line up in the seating bowl to receive one autograph from each player in the chosen section. Coupons will notbe distributed, making autographs available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Video highlights and simulcasts of fan forums will be shown on the Orioles’ new video boards in center field during the autograph session, marking the first time the new entertainment system will be seen by the public.

Former players will sign autographs for fans throughout the day on the Club Level. Those participating include PAUL BLAIR, RICK DEMPSEY, BOOG POWELL, AL BUMBRY, SCOTT McGREGOR, DAVE JOHNSON, LARRY SHEETS, CURT MOTTON, TIM NORDBROOK, BILL SWAGGERTY and RICK KRIVDA.

Other FanFest activities will be held on the main concourse and Club Level throughout the day. The main concourse will feature activities for kids, including a moon bounce, speed pitch and other interactives. Club level activities also include photos with the Oriole Bird and free Orioles giveaways. A memorabilia sale will be held at the Bud Light Warehouse Bar on Eutaw Street. Concessions will be available throughout the day on the main concourse and Club Level.

At 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at Sports Legends at Camden Yards, curators will host seminars on how to protect sports memorabilia and provide free appraisals of fan souvenirs and collectibles. Orioles Season Plan Holders may attend this event for free, as their Orange Carpet Benefits provide them free admission to the museum all season long. Non-Season Plan Holders who show their FanFest ticket will receive 50% off the admission price.

FanFest admission is free for Season Plan Holders using the complimentary tickets mailed to them as part of their Orange Carpet Benefits. For non-Season Plan Holders, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 14 and under and fans 55 and over and are available online at http://www.blogger.com/www.orioles.com; via phone at 1-888-848-BIRD; or in person at the Orioles’ Official Team Store in York, PA or at the Main Box Office windows at Oriole Park.