Free admission, specials on concessions and ticket packages on first day to buy single-game tickets

DAVENPORT, Iowa (MARCH 19, 2013) - With the schedule set for a memorable season of new attractions and entertainment at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits will open the ballpark for a free-entry Fan Fest this Saturday, March 23. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the team is inviting the entire Quad Cities community to Modern Woodmen Park for a day of activities, entertainment, behind-the-scenes access, and specials on concessions and ticket packages before the season opens.

From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, the team will hold the Fan Fest, with free admission, $1 hot dogs, soda and hot chocolates, $2 drinks and the first chance to buy single-game tickets. At the Fan Fest only, the River Bandits will also have special offers on season ticket packages of 10 games or more. Fans may also participate in a variety of activities, contests and experiences at Modern Woodmen Park.

"We are excited to welcome our guests to another season at Modern Woodmen Park, and our free Fan Fest will offer everyone a great opportunity to get great deals on tickets for the upcoming season, experience the new game day promotions, activities, and merchandise, and take a first-hand look at the latest improvements to the ballpark," said team owner Dave Heller. "And the best part is fans can enjoy a full afternoon of activities for free!"

The Modern Woodmen Park gates will open at 12:30 p.m., and while admission is free, fans can receive $2 in Bandit Bucks - good for any ticket, concessions or merchandise purchase at Modern Woodmen Park this season - by bringing in a canned food item to be donated to the CROP Hunger Walk. Each family will receive Bandit Bucks for up to five cans. At the Fan Fest, guests may purchase concessions from the Davenport Diner and other select ballpark concession stands. However, no outside food and beverage will be permitted.

The Fan Fest will be the first opportunity for season-ticket holders to pick up their purchased tickets. New and registered Kids Club members may also pick up their T-shirts and membership cards in the River Bandits team store, which will be open for fans to get the newest River Bandits merchandise before Opening Day. Young fans can play in the new Jumpin' Joey's Kids Zone for the first time, and the River Bandits will show the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on the video board and in the Sports Lounge.

Visitors may take free tours to get a look at the newly remodeled River Bandits clubhouse, as well as the dugouts, batting cages, team offices and the latest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park, such as the Bandits Business Center powered by Bradfield's.

Fans will also have several unique, interactive opportunities during the Fan Fest. The River Bandits will preview this season's in-game promotions and on-field contests, with participants selected from the Fan Fest crowd. Fans may also share their talents by announcing commercials for the River Bandits online broadcast, or performing for videos that will be shown on the video board this season.

"The Fan Fest will be an excellent opportunity for fans to get a free first look at the ballpark and celebrate the approaching of baseball season with a day of free family-friendly fun," said General Manager Harold Craw. "The River Bandits are excited to be able to share so many promotions, activities and opportunities with our fans before Opening Day."

The River Bandits will have a running start to the season with the first-ever Bandits Race to Home 5K on Saturday, April 6, before the 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday, April 11. The River Bandits season opens at Kane County Thursday, April 4.

UP NEXT: Now is the time to lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will be making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, will open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will have a chance to see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

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