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July 6, 2017Eli Young Band to Headline All-Star Game Fan Fest in Troy, Hall of Famer Jim Rice to Speak at Luncheon
The Tri-City ValleyCats have announced updated details regarding the New York-Penn League All-Star Game festivities this August. National award-winning country act Eli Young Band headlines a free concert at Riverfront Park in Troy during the All-Star Fan Fest on Monday, August 14, and Hall of Fame outfielder Jim Rice is set to speak at the All-Star Luncheon on Tuesday, August 15.
The ValleyCats and 107.7 WGNA have joined forces to bring to Troy the free show by Eli Young Band, whose hit singles “Crazy Girl” and “Even if it Breaks Your Heart” have been awarded Billboard’s #1 Country Song of the Year and ACM Song of the Year. The band has also garnered numerous Grammy, CMA, and CMT nominations, and Teen Choice Awards. They have performed on NBC’s TODAY, Conan, Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Fox & Friends. Eli Young Band’s latest studio album, “Fingerprints,” was released on June 16.
Red Sox great Jim Rice is the special guest speaker during the All-Star Luncheon in collaboration with the Capital Region Chamber. Rice is the only player in major league history to record over 200 hits while hitting 39 or more home runs for three consecutive seasons. His best season came in 1978, when he was named the AL’s Most Valuable Player, and was later inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
The luncheon is being held at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center, a supporting partner, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for chamber members and $60 for non-members. Register to attend today at www.capitalregionchamber.com.
Gates at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium will open at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday for the pre-All-Star Game festivities, which includes an autograph session with both teams presented by UpgradeToComfort.com – Your Local Carrier Dealer Network, followed by the Slidin’ Dirty Home Run Derby competition. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring the New York-Penn League All-Star Game back to the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “Our organization is looking forward to providing a top-notch fun-filled experience for our fans, while showcasing the best professional baseball talent across the league.”
“The Joe” last played host to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game in 2008, which drew over 6,000 fans. In 2017, the 14-team league will celebrate its 79th season, making it the oldest continually operated Class A league in Minor League Baseball.
“The New York-Penn League is excited about returning to New York’s Capital Region for our 2017 All-Star Game,” said league President Ben J. Hayes. “When the ValleyCats hosted the game back in 2008, it was a tremendous success. I know their staff will go out of their way to ensure another first-class event.”
Tickets for the New York Penn League All-Star Game start at just $10.00, and are on-sale now by logging on to tcvalleycats.com/allstargame, calling 518-629-CATS (2287), or by visiting the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium box office. Be sure to inquire about special rates for group outings of 20 or more, and picnic packages. Companies that would like to get involved in the Luncheon with Jim Rice can contact Debbie Quirk at 518-431-1438 or dquirk@capitalregionchamber.com.
The All-Star Game and Fan Fest are supported by a grant from Empire State Development’s I LOVE NEW YORK program under the Market NY initiative.
