Northern League All-Star Celebrations
July 7 & 8 at Canwest Park

The hosts of one of the best Northern League All-Star Games in history are preparing to do so again.

Speaking during a news conference at McPhillips Street Station on January 23, Goldeyes general manager Andrew Collier unveiled plans for the 2008 Northern League All-Star Celebrations. Presented by the Casinos of Winnipeg, the league’s annual gathering of its elite will take place Monday, July 7 & Tuesday, July 8 at Canwest Park.

“It’s a pleasure to partner with the Casinos of Winnipeg on an event that will once again focus the Northern League spotlight on Winnipeg and showcase the best players to the best fans in baseball,” said Collier. “With what we’ve lined up and what we have to confirm, what was good about our first all-star game will be even better this time.”

Winnipeg last hosted the event in 2001, the first time it was held over two days since the inaugural all-star game in St. Paul in 1997. Hosting it this year will be especially meaningful, with it being the club’s tenth season at Canwest Park and fifteenth overall in the Northern League.

The format this year will be similar, with the Monday afternoon being devoted to the Princess Auto Summer Skills Clinic for boys and girls ages 8 to 13, while the evening is when the Pepsi All-Star Skills Competition will take place. The day will conclude with a concert in the Lund Picnic Park beyond the right field wall.

Highlights of the Tuesday will be the all-star luncheon from noon until 2 p.m. at The Fairmont. The keynote speaker will be Pat Gillick, senior vice-president and general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies and the general manager of the 1992 & 1993 World Series champion Toronto Blue Jays. The 2008 Northern League All-Star Game, presented by the Casinos of Winnipeg, begins at 7:00.

Fans attending the XII Northern League All-Star Game will be treated to a spectacular show by award-winning Archangel Fireworks before they exit the park. From there, the festivities shift to Jaguars Dance Club at Club Regent for a post-game party.

“Manitoba Lotteries and the Casinos of Winnipeg are proud to once again partner with the Winnipeg Goldeyes and help to bring first-class baseball to the city of Winnipeg,” said MLC president and CEO Winston Hodgins. “As the Northern League All-Star Game sponsor, we are pleased to bring together families and sports fans from across our province for two days of fun and entertainment.”

Tickets for the all-star game and skills competition go on sale to the general public on Saturday, May 3. Season ticket holders already have tickets included in their package while mini pack holders have first right to purchase seats before public sale. Individual tickets and tables for the luncheon are on sale now.