BlueClaws will host annual FanFest on Feb. 17

LAKEWOOD - With Opening Day less than two months away, the Lakewood BlueClaws will unofficially open the season on Feb. 17 with their seventh annual FanFest, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at FirstEnergy Park, New Hampshire and Cedar Bridge avenues.

Feb. 17 will be the first day that 2007 individual game tickets are on sale and the day includes a series of activities to christen the 2007 season. Anyone who buys tickets to any 2007 BlueClaws game or picks up their 2007 BlueClaws ticket package at FanFest will receive two free tickets to the Phil-adelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox exhibition game on March 31 at Citi-zens Bank Park, Philadelphia.

The BlueClaws are the single A affiliate of the Phillies.

"The fans are the pride of our organization," BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown said. "Without them the BlueClaws wouldn't exist, so FanFest is really our thanks to the fans for all they've given us over the first six years of BlueClaws baseball."

In addition to being able to purchase individual game tickets, fans who have arranged to pick up tickets can do so at FanFest. Full-season ticket holders will go to the home clubhouse, and bushel-plan and partial-plan holders will go to the will call window. The BlueClaws will be offering VIP ballpark tours so fans can see all the nooks and crannies of FirstEnergy Park.

Back after a popular first year is "Record Your Own Home Run Call." Fans can come up to the press box and call a Ryan Howard home run, which will later be e-mailed back to them. Fans can also purchase 2006 championship gear and get some preseason shopping done in the ClawsCove, which will be having a one-day 20 percent off sale.

All fans will be part of a raffle to win a baseball signed by the 2006 South Atlantic League Champion BlueClaws, four tickets to Opening Day this year, or two seven-game Bushel of BlueClaws ticket packages for the 2008 season. Pinchy's Playground tickets will also be on sale, two for the price of one.

Additionally, the BlueClaws will be collecting nonperishable food items for Ocean County Hunger Relief. Any fan who donates food at FanFest will receive two free tickets for the June 14 Charity Night BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws are the defending South Atlantic League champions. They will open the 2007 season on April 5 at FirstEnergy Park at 6:35 p.m. against Greensboro. For tickets or more information call (732) 901-7000 or visit the Web site at www.BlueClaws.com.