CURVE, Pa. - A special franchise announcement will take place during the Altoona Curve's season-opening game on Thursday, April 5 when they host the Erie SeaWolves at 6:30 p.m at Peoples Natural Gas Field.   The announcement will provide an exclusive benefit only available to those who attend the opener.

The announcement now headlines an already jam-packed Opening Night as the 14th season of Curve baseball begins with the April 5 contest.  The other activities include:  an extended post-game Fireworks show, a 2012 Curve Magnet Schedule giveaway to the first 5,000 fans courtesy of Carnegie Equipment, Thirsty Thursday specials including $2 Bud Light 16 ounce drafts and half-price regular-size sodas thanks to Rocky 104.9, the Miracle League Ball Launch game, and an opportunity for kids to run the bases.

"The special franchise announcement is something our fans will not want to miss on Opening Night," said Curve General Manager Rob Egan.  "We're really looking forward to their reaction and they'll derive a direct benefit from being in attendance at the game.  With the special announcement and all of the other activities we have planned, the 2012 home opener will be remembered for a long time.  We can't wait to get going."

Thursday also marks the first game for the newly-created Silver Steamers Club presented by Homewood at Martinsburg.  The club is for Curve fans ages 55 and over and gives them one Diamond Club seat to five different Curve games in 2012 (including Opening Night).  The first 200 members that sign up for the club also receive the bonuses of an exclusive club t-shirt, a refillable coffee mug (good for $1 refills on coffee at the ballpark all-season long) and a seat cushion just for signing up. 

Because of the successful Weis Markets Opening Night Ticket Rush earlier this week, fans are encouraged to pick up their tickets for the April 5 game early for the best possible seats.  Tickets can purchased by phone at 877-99-CURVE, online at www.AltoonaCurve.com, or in person at the Peoples Natural Gas Field ticket office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

-CURVE-