(Mankato, MN) –The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the 2008 promotional schedule and the sale of single-game tickets, which will be available starting Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 AM. The MoonDogs home opener, which is Friday, May 30 at 7:05 PM, will be highlighted by a visit from Minnesota Twins legend Jim "Mudcat” Grant. In addition, a post-game fireworks extravaganza will cap off the night.

This season’s promotions offer a lot of new giveaways, special appearances and entertainment acts, while the same fun and entertaining nights will continue in the MoonDogs seventh season. A fan favorite from last year, "Minor League Baseball’s #1 Entertainment Act,” the ZOOperstars return to Franklin Rogers Park on June 22. Whether it’s Cow Ripken Jr. or Monkey Mantle, these characters will dazzle the crowd with flips, dances, and mock the umpires all night. Other June promotions include a magnet schedule, plasma TV, and mini-bat giveaways, Meet-the-MoonDogs Monday, Miracle Field Night, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in June, and a Go Green Night.

July brings what might be the biggest bang heard in southern Minnesota when American Idol sensation
William Hung makes his long awaited appearance in Mankato. On July 23, Hung will be on hand for Mankato Idol Night to sign autographs, take photos, and entertain the crowd with a live performance. This month is also packed with unbelievable giveaways that include baseball cards, T-shirts, baseballs, baseball caps, team posters, sports bags, and a wiffle ball/bat set along with Minnesota Twins Night. To wrap up the promotions in July, the very popular BirdZerk! will make his first appearance in Mankato. BirdZerk!, like the ZOOperstars, will entertain crowds with zany antics with players, coaches, and of course the umpires that leave fans laughing and begging for more.

The MoonDogs finish off the 2008 promotional schedule with four more dates in August and honor former Mankato Northwoods Leaguer and Detroit Tigers superstar, Curtis Granderson. On August 7, the MoonDogs will giveaway Curtis Granderson bobbleheads to the first 500 fans. Fan Appreciation Night will wrap-up the 2008 regular season with prizes given out all night followed by another post-game fireworks extravaganza.

Fans will be able to choose which promotions to come out for when single-game tickets go on sale on Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 AM. The MoonDogs office will stay open until 1:00 PM and fans can purchase tickets either by stopping by the office, located at 310 Belle Ave., or call 507-625-7047.

The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for Friday, May 30 against the Rochester Honkers at 7:05 PM. To be part of all the MoonDogs action this summer, season tickets are on sale now as well as group and hospitality tickets. For more information go to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047.