Feb. 10, 2009
IOWA CITY – Hawkeyes fans can still purchase tickets to The University of Iowa baseball team’s annual Lead-Off Dinner, which is set for Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. This year’s event is headlined by Major League Baseball umpire Tim McClelland. A special VIP reception begins at 5 p.m., with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Fans interested in attending can still order tickets, until this Friday, by contacting Iowa Baseball secretary Joyce Rossie at (319) 335-9329.
McClelland worked in the American League from 1983-99 and throughout both leagues since 2000. He has called many important games, including the George Brett “Pine Tar” game in 1983. More recently, he was the plate umpire in the Sammy Sosa corked bat game on June 3, 2003 when the Chicago Cubs hosted Tampa Bay at Wrigley Field.
Tables of nine people can be reserved for $475, and includes VIP reception access for the entire table. Tickets for the dinner and program are $35 for adults and $25 for children 12-and-under. VIP seats are available for $60, which also includes access to the reception.
The program will feature talks from Iowa Head Coach Jack Dahm and McClelland, and an autograph session with current Hawkeye baseball players. There will also be silent and live auctions for sports memorabilia, tickets to college and professional sporting events and more.
“The banquet continues to grow every year and that is because of the great support of the Hawkeye fans,” Dahm said. “We look forward to another great event as we honor last year’s seniors and get ready for an exciting 2009 campaign.”