The Madison Mallards will host an Opening Day luncheon that is open to the public at Warner Park on Wednesday, June 1st, at 12:30 p.m. The luncheon, catered by Outback Steakhouse, will provide an opportunity for fans to meet the members of the 2005 Madison Mallards as they begin their defense of the 2004 Northwoods League Championship.

?We are looking forward to seeing sponsors, host families and fans out to the ballpark for this celebration with the Mallards prior to our first game,? Mallards general manager Vern Stenman said. ?It will be another event where people from the Madison area can get excited for the 2005 season.?

In addition to the 2005 Mallards, former Major League All-Star and Milwaukee Brave, Johnny Logan will be on hand to speak to those in attendance. Logan, a four-time All-Star for the Braves, played in more than 1,500 games over the course of his career, finishing with 1,407 career hits.

Aaron Sims, the voice of the Madison Mallards, will be emcee of the event. Sims is in his second season with the Mallards and will assume the role of the Mallards public address announcer for home games, while broadcasting the Mallard road games.

The event will be hosted at the Duck Pond in the new Pre-game Tailgate area behind the bleachers on the first base side. The new Pre-game Tailgate area has two large tents set up for groups of 100 or more to tailgate prior to Mallard games. The luncheon will allow Mallards fans to get their first glimpse of this new area.

Reservations are required, so purchasing tickets in advance is suggested. Tickets cost 15 dollars and can be purchased by calling the Mallards front office at 246-4277.

The 2005 season begins later that night at 7:05 p.m., as the Mallards take on the Mankato MoonDogs. For ticket information for Opening Day please call the Mallards at 246-4277 or visit www.mallardsbaseball.com.