GARY, Ind. — Winter is here but the Gary SouthShore RailCats are bringing summer fun to Northwest Indiana in just over five weeks at the second-annual Fan Fest, Saturday, February 20 at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza.  Discount advance tickets are on sale now online or by calling the ‘Cats at 219.882.2255.

In 2009, one thousand RailCats fans took part in the first-ever Fan Fest and the 2010 event should be even bigger, with baseball clinics, question-and-answer forums with players and coaches, autograph sessions, exciting ballpark games and a load of other surprises.  There’s no way to get closer to your favorite ‘Cats players than at Fan Fest, and with pre-sale tickets available for $20 (a five dollar savings off the price at the door), now is the time to make your plans to spend February 20 at the Radisson.

The RailCats will have at least a dozen former players and coaches in attendance, and are proud to announce that two-time Northern League Manager of the Year Greg Tagert, All-Star shortstop Jay Pecci, 2009 All-Northern League ace Tony Cogan and 2008 Rookie of the Year Mike Rohde have all been confirmed as guests at this year’s Fan Fest.

Advance prices for the Fan Fest are $20 for adults, $10 for kids (12 and under) and 2010 season ticket holders, and the first 1,000 fans to buy a Fan Fest ticket will also get a voucher for a seat at Opening Day, Thursday, May 20 at 7 p.m. at U. S. Steel Yard along with a souvenir poster and program.  Plus, the first 500 kids at Fan Fest will get a free souvenir baseball from Hoosier Bat Company and the first 500 adults will get a Fan Fest t-shirt.

Fan Fest tickets can be purchased anytime by visiting www.railcatsbaseball.com and checking out the online merchandise store.  Tickets are also available during regular business hours by calling 219.882.2255 or stopping by U. S. Steel Yard.

The Radisson Hotel is located at the intersection of I-65 and US-30 in Merrillville and is adjacent to the Star Plaza Theater, The Region’s foremost indoor entertainment venue.  For more information on the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, visit www.radisson.com/merrillvillein.

The RailCats are Northwest Indiana’s premier sports franchise and have drawn over one million fans to games at lavish U. S. Steel Yard since 2003.  The ‘Cats are the two-time champions of the Northern League and have advanced to the League Championship Series an unprecedented five straight seasons.  For more on the RailCats, check out www.railcatsbaseball.com.