Offseason blues? Piratefest is right around the corner

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the details of the 22^nd Piratefest, which is held at the David L. Lawrence Convention center. The indoor baseball carnival is held on Saturday, December 17 from 10 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 18^th from noon until 5:00 pm.

The Pittsburgh Pirates players that will be in attendance include: Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, Joel Hanrahan, Jose Tabata, Pedro Alvarez, James McDonald, Daniel McCutchen, Kevin Correia, Jeff Karstens, Chris Resop, Brad Lincoln, Alex Presley, Michael McKenry, Clint Barmes and Rod Barajas. There will also be Autograph sessions with Pirates alumni Doug Drabek, Andy Van Slyke, Jose “Chico” Lind, Mike LaValliere and Kent Tekulve.

For a complete schedule of what times you can see your favorite Bucs, read more here.

The Pirates announced the following events that will happen at this years Piratfest:

• The KDKA baseball field, which will host Youth Baseball Clinics with Pirates coaches.

• Q&A Sessions with the players as well as “Ask Pirates Management” with Pirates President Frank Coonelly, General Manager Neal Huntington and Manager Clint Hurdle.

• The chance to join your favorite players in versions of Pirates “Minute to Win It” and “Jeopardy”, take on Pirates players in “Wii Home Run Derby”, play “Deal Or No Deal” and take part in Pierogie Eating Contests.

• A Seven Springs rock climbing wall, plus other Seven Springs activities.

• The Y108 Kids Fun Zone featuring many activities for children, including inflatable rides, batting cages and speed pitch, along with nutritional information on a variety of foods available at Giant Eagle.

• Pirates “Lost Treasures” area to include authentic game-worn jerseys, and game-used bats, baseballs and more available for purchase.

• A charity silent auction with proceeds to benefit Pirates Charities.

• Fans will also have an opportunity to have their picture taken with Parrot Claus.

• Information on 2012 Pirates Season Ticket Packages and Group Outings.

• Information on the Pirates 2012 promotional schedule.

• All fans attending PirateFest will receive a 2012 Pirates wall calendar, 2012 pocket schedule and PirateFest program upon entrance.

• Fans will also have a chance to win an opportunity to sing the Star Spangled Banner at a Pirates Home Game in 2012 during the first ever “Oh Say Can You Sing?” competition at this year’s PirateFest. Fans interested in trying out for the “Oh Say Can You Sing?” competition will sing a Holiday carol of their choice a cappela for a panel of judges during auditions each day. The judges will then pass out 20 “golden tickets” throughout the day, where those fans will move on to participate in the “Oh Say Can You Sing?” competition on the Star 100.7 Stage held each evening at PirateFest. Of the 20 daily contestants, judges will select one winner each day (three total), who will sing the Star Spangled Banner at a Pirates home game in 2012.

“Our fans have been extremely supportive of the Pirates, especially during this past season, and we want to show our appreciation by expanding PirateFest in order to add more attractions and better accommodate the expected crowds,” said Pirates President Frank Coonelly.

• Fans are also encouraged to donate a toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive. Any fan who donates a toy will be given a Pirates “P” cookie cutter.
• In addition, the Pirates have partnered with Central Blood Bank to host a holiday blood drive at this year’s PirateFest on Saturday and Sunday. Any fan who donates blood will receive free admission to this year’s PirateFest.
• Tickets for PirateFest are on sale now. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $4.00 for fans ages 14 and younger and can be purchased in advance at www.pirates.com/piratefest, by calling 1-800-BUY-BUCS or at the door at the convention center.
• Also on Saturday, December 17, in conjunction with PirateFest, individual game tickets for the Pirates’ 2012 season will go on sale for the first time beginning at 10:00 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets to all Pirates home games at PirateFest, the PNC Park box office, online at www.pirates.com or by phone at 1-877-893-BUCS.