To celebrate spring and the return of warmer weather, the Bowling Green Hot Rods have unveiled plans for Fan Fest 2011. The vernal extravaganza takes place from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 at Bowling Green Ballpark. The team has scheduled an action packed day of activities to kick-off the final 30-day countdown to Citizens First Opening Night, including the launch of individual game ticket sales, National Anthem auditions, an American Red Cross blood drive as well as free food, inflatable games for the kids, behind the scene tours of the ballpark, giveaways and more.

“It is official; spring is here and it means the Hot Rods are back! We have a fun-filled day planned for our Fan Fest at Bowling Green Ballpark and it is all FREE,” said Hot Rods President Brad Taylor. “We can’t wait to see our fans as you help us kick off the 2011 season which is going to be our most exciting yet.”

Fan Fest kicks off with the start of single-game ticket sales at the team’s ticket office. Fans can begin purchasing tickets to any game in the 2011 season, including Opening Night on April 11 as well as 13 post-game fireworks shows throughout the summer. Ticket prices remain unchanged in 2011 as all box seats are $10 and Service One Credit Union Green Seats cost just $5. Tickets will be available at the ticket office, by calling (270) 901-2121, or by visiting the team’s website, www.bghotrods.com. Due to an increased demand in ticket packages and large group outings this off-season, availability for select dates is limited and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early.

Throughout the Fan Fest, fans can enjoy behind the scenes ballpark tours, giveaways, inflatable games for the kids, or just hanging out with Hot Rods mascots Axle and Roscoe. The Hot Rods will begin serving FREE hot dogs and snacks at noon, the same time the Red Cross begins a critical blood drive on the front entry plaza. From 12-5 p.m. the Red Cross will use its Mobile Blood Unit to begin compensating for a difficult winter.

“The recent string of winter storms that buried a large part of the country in ice and snow caused more than 33,000 donations at American Red Cross blood drives to go uncollected,” said Michelle Mangum, Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative. “Of those donations, 1,700 were lost here in the Tennessee Valley Region since Jan. 1. The Red Cross is trying to build its blood inventory back to a safe and adequate level. Take me out to the ball game! Take me out to the blood drive!”
All fans who help the Red Cross save a life will be treated to a free Opening Night ticket as well as 20% off on the latest Hot Rods gear, available March 12, in The Body Shop. The Red Cross is urging fans to reduce their wait time by making an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org and using the promo code hotrod19 or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The final component of Fan Fest involves the Hot Rods search for South Central Kentucky’s most talented singers and performers. From 2-4:30 p.m., fans can audition for their shot to sing the National Anthem before a game this summer. Auditions will take place center-stage on the field directly behind home plate. Performers can use their voice or another instrument to perform the anthem in a respectful manner.

Tom Gauthier is public relations director and radio voice of the Bowling Green Hot Rods.