GARY, Ind. — The Gary SouthShore RailCats first-ever Fan Fest is just days away, and the team today announced the full slate of fun and games scheduled for the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Eighteen current and former RailCats coaches and players will be on hand for the festivities, including stars like Willie Glen, Anthony Iapoce and Jay Pecci, along with fifth-year manager Greg Tagert.  The doors open at 9:30 a.m. with a star-studded Opening Ceremony – hosted by Public Address Announcer Tommy Williams – set for 10 a.m.

Following the Opening Ceremony, fans are invited to explore a wide range of activities inside the main Fan Fest ballroom or take part in one of three breakout sessions each hour.  Breakout sessions include baseball clinics, autograph signings, and question and answer forums.  Here is a detailed schedule of breakout sessions (schedule subject to change):

11:00 – 12:00
Photos with Rusty the RailCat and Rascal
Autograph Session #1: Manager Greg Tagert, Coach Joe Gates, Pitchers Tony Cogan & Cody Fisher
* Pitching & Hitting Clinics

12:00 – 1:00
Question & Answer Forum #1: Owner/CEO Pat Salvi, President/General Manager Roger Wexelberg, Manager Greg Tagert
Autograph Session #2: Infielders Jay Pecci, Mike Rohde & Eric Blakeley; Outfielder John McCarthy
* Infield & Outfield Clinics

1:00 – 2:00
Autograph Session #3: Coaches Jamie Bennett & Kenny Graham; Pitchers Willie Glen & Dan Soria; Outfielder Steve Haake
Bunting & Base Running Clinics
[1:00 – 1:30] Tommy John Question & Answer Forum

2:00 – 3:00
[2:00 – 2:30] Question & Answer Forum #2: Infielders Jay Pecci, Mike Rohde & Eric Blakeley; Outfielder John McCarthy
[2:30 – 3:00] Question & Answer Forum #3: Jamie Bennett, Kenny Graham, Willie Glen, Dan Soria & Steve Haake
Autograph Session #4: Outfielders Anthony Iapoce, Rob Marconi & Mike Coles; Infielders Eric McNamee & Bill Malone
* Throwing & Catching Clinics

* - Clinic participants must supply own gloves, so don’t forget to bring your favorite mitt from home!

When fans aren’t touring one of the breakout areas, there will be plenty going on in the main ballroom.  Here’s a quick rundown of some of the free activities available for fans from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.:

Fantasy play-by-play: Call the last three outs of the 2007 Championship with a RailCats broadcaster
RailCats Hall of History: Take a walk through RailCats history and view a wide range of stadium artifacts, videos and more
Name the RailCats Game: Put a name to 25 RailCats faces to win a V.I.P. package at a RailCats game this summer
Wii with the RailCats: Take on your favorite RailCats player in a game of Wii Baseball
Ballpark Games: Test your arm on the speed pitch or try the RailCats newest game, Lil’ Home Run to win great prizes
Luxury Suite Raffle: Sign up for a chance to win a free night in a luxury suite this summer at U. S. Steel Yard

The RailCats will unveil the winners of the Fan Fest Essay Contest during the Opening Ceremony, and announce the Name the RailCats and Luxury Suite Raffle winners at the Closing Ceremony.  Former Major League legend Tommy John will also be at the Fan Fest as a featured guest, signing autographs at the First Midwest Bank table in the main ballroom.

Tickets for the first-ever Fan Fest are on sale now for only $15, but the price will go up to $20 at the door Saturday.  Kids tickets (age 12 and under) are only $5 and all 2009 RailCats season tickets holders can purchase special $10 tickets.  A Fan Fest ticket includes all-day admission to the event, a ticket to Opening Day at U. S. Steel Yard (Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m.), a commemorative poster and program, and the first 500 fans will receive a Fan Fest t-shirt. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 219.882.2255 or clicking HERE.