The Madison Mallards and U.S. Cellular are pleased to announce their joint effort in opening a new addition to the Duck Pond in 2005, the U.S. Cellular Mini-Duck Blind. The U.S. Cellular Mini-Duck Blind will offer 50 discounted tickets to be sold on the day of every Mallards home game.

?We are very pleased to be more involved this year with the Madison Mallards baseball organization,? said Lou Brazzoni, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Wisconsin. ?The U.S. Cellular Mini-Duck Blind provides a great opportunity for families to purchase tickets to home games and enjoy all activities the home games will offer. We look forward to an enjoyable and exciting new season.?

Tickets are only 20 dollars (the Duck Blind is normally 27 dollars) and offer a view unlike any other at the Duck Pond from beyond the right field outfield fence. Fans need to send a text message to (608) 212-1606 after midnight on the day of the game they wish to attend in order to be eligible for the tickets. Fans need to include their name; daytime phone number and email address in the text message and can purchase up to four tickets per game every day.

?This is an outstanding opportunity to showcase the technology of one of our premiere sponsors and have U.S. Cellular as well as the Mallards organization to allow Duck Blind tickets for all our loyal fans,? Mallards General Manager Vern Stenman said.

The first opportunity to purchase tickets to the U.S. Cellular Mini-Duck Blind is Wednesday, June 1 when the Mallards play their home opener against the Mankato MoonDogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For more information contact the Mallards front office at 608.246.4277 or visit the Mallards Web site at www.mallardsbaseball.com.