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Countdown to Opening Day: A Lot on Tap for UCF Baseball

Jan. 20, 2011

="" alt="Knight Head" border="0" class="imported"> Read John Denton's Knights Insider | ="" alt="Twitter Logo" border="0" class="imported">Follow us on Twitter | ="" alt="Facebook Logo" border="0" class="imported">Get social with the Knights on Facebook

By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Wintertime in Florida always marks a special occasion on the UCF campus as the baseball team starts its preparations for the upcoming season. And with the Knights eagerly anticipating Opening Day Feb. 18 in 2011, fans have several opportunities to get involved with the Black and Gold this year.

Following the Knights' first official team practice Friday, Jan. 28, UCF baseball will hold its annual Fan Fest presented by B2 Café Saturday, Jan. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at The Venue. Prizes, posters and autographs will be available, and food tickets can be purchased in advance for only $5 by calling the UCF Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com. After the event, fans are invited to head over to the UCF Arena for the men's basketball contest at UAB with tip-time set for 7 p.m.

The Black and Gold will practice for three weeks leading up to the opening weekend against Siena Feb. 18-20. Check out the below list for more events and important dates as the Knights get ready for 2011.

NOW HAPPENING:
Season Tickets
-Season tickets for the 2011 campaign are already on sale. The Knights will play 32 games at home this year starting with Opening Day Feb. 18, and reserved chairbacks are just $200, while reserved bleachers seats are only $130. Faculty/staff, youth and senior season tickets are $100. Plans for families and mini packs are also available. To purchase tickets, call (407) 823-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com.

Single-Game Tickets
-Single-game tickets are on sale as well with adults only $8, faculty/staff/youth/seniors are $5 and groups of 20 or more are $4 each.

Birthday at the Ballpark
-Reservations are now being accepted for "Birthday at the Ballpark." Fans can host birthday parties at the stadium for only $125 for a group of 10 (each additional person is $12.50), and the party includes 10 tickets to the game, food, drinks and a birthday cake. Call 407-823-1000 today for more information.

Field of Dreams
-Field of Dreams, meanwhile, invites little league players 12 and under to join the Knights as they will be recognized before the game and get to stand on the field during the National Anthem. Kids also will receive an autographed piece of memorabilia and have autograph opportunities. The group rate per team is $4 per person including players, coaches and parents (minimum of 20 people). The UCF Ticket Office can be help with reservations and it can be reached at 407-823-1000.

Dugout Club
-UCF baseball supporters are invited to join this year's Dugout Club by signing up for one of four levels. Benefits include invites to special UCF baseball events, a UCF baseball hat and even season tickets at specific levels. Contact Matt Goodyear at 407-823-4869 or through E-Mail at mgoodyear@athletics.ucf.edu for more details.

At UCFAthletics.com
-Throughout the preseason, click on UCFAthletics.com for constant updates on the Knights. Upcoming features include exclusive video interviews, TV/radio schedules, promotional schedules and much more.

Twitter and Facebook
-Following UCF_Baseball on Twitter certainly is a great idea, as head coach Terry Rooney provides fans with exciting updates on his program. UCFAthletics.com also shares news, stories and exciting upcoming events on baseball's Facebook page (Facebook.com/UCFBaseball).

MONDAY, JAN. 24-TUESDAY, JAN. 25:
Video Shoot
-UCF will spend some time with the video department to shoot lots of footage for the video board.

TUESDAY, JAN. 25:
Commercial Shoot
-The Knights will be filming a special video that certainly will bring a laugh. The commercial will be featured on UCFAthletics.com and baseball's Facebook and Twitter pages in February.

FRIDAY, JAN. 28:
It Begins!
-The first official team practice of the spring kicks off at 2:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 29:
Baseball Fan Fest presented by B2 Cafe
-Prior to the men's basketball game vs. UAB (tip-off at 7 p.m.), fans are invited to come out to The Venue at 5:30 p.m. for food, fun and prizes at the annual Fan Fest presented by B2 Café. More details will be made available on UCFAthletics.com soon.
-And before Fan Fest, the Knights will be holding a team practice and an intrasquad scrimmage with the session beginning at noon.

THE WEEK OF JAN. 30:
Season Tickets Mailed Out
-The UCF Ticket Office will begin mailing out season tickets.

IN FEBRUARY:
Knights Insider
-UCF's athletic magazine's cover story will focus on the baseball and softball programs opening up their seasons.

OPENING DAY!!
-One of the biggest sports days of the year on the UCF campus takes place Friday, Feb. 18, with Opening Day against Siena at 6:30 p.m.