2014 PirateFest autograph ticket onsale dates and details

Tickets for group autograph sessions at the 2014 PirateFest, presented by T-Mobile, are set to go on sale this week with nine groups featuring three current and/or former Pirates players scheduled over the two-day event. Pirates Season Ticket Members will receive the first opportunity to purchase passes to each session starting tomorrow for a $20 donation to Pirates Charities and its mission to assist current and former military personnel and their families.

All autograph donations from the 2014 PirateFest will benefit the "It's About the Warrior" Foundation (IATW). The IATW Foundation¡¦s mission is to assist and empower Tri-State Area (Western PA, Eastern OH, Northern WV) post 9/11 veterans and their families with financial, educational, recreational, or therapeutic needs, assisting them in leading a successful and enriched life following their military service.

Season Ticket Members will have access to an exclusive presale to purchase autograph sessions at PirateFest, starting Tuesday, December 2 at 10 a.m. Members will receive an email that morning with instructions to log on to their personal "My Pirates Tickets" account to purchase sessions. All remaining tickets will be available starting Wednesday, December 3 at 10 a.m. at pirates.com/PirateFest or at the PNC Park Ticket Office. All fans who purchase autograph tickets will be guaranteed autographs for their specific session as fans will now have the opportunity to choose the sessions they wish to attend.

Admission to PirateFest is FREE to the public and each autograph session will be limited to 200 fans per 90- minute session. In addition, special autograph sessions, for all kids 14-and-under, that do not require a donation will be available throughout the entire weekend event. The Kids Only PirateFest sessions will take place throughout the weekend and will be announced at PirateFest.

Hours for PirateFest, presented by T-Mobile, and autograph sessions are as follows:

Saturday, December 13 - Open to the General Public: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• 12 - 1:30 p.m. Starling Marte/ Al Oliver/ Jack Wilson
• 1:30 - 3 p.m. Jeff Locke/ Gregory Polanco/ John Smiley
• 3 - 4 p.m. Vernon Law/ Omar Moreno/ Rick Rueschel/ John Candelaria
• 4 - 5:30 p.m. John Holdzkom/ Mike LaValliere/ Doug Drabek
• 5:30 - 7 p.m. Francisco Cervelli/ Dave Parker/ Bill Virdon

Sunday, December 14 - Open to the General Public: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 10 - 11:30 a.m. Mark Melancon/ El Roy Face/ Al Oliver
• 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. A.J. Burnett/ Dick Groat/ Omar Moreno
• 1 - 2:30 p.m. Andrew Lambo/ Doug Drabek/ Mike LaValliere
• 2:30 - 4 p.m. Dave Parker/ Bob Friend/ Sid Bream/ John Candelaria

In addition to the autograph donations, there will be many additional opportunities to donate to Pirates Charities throughout the weekend.

The popular weekend includes activities for the entire family such as live events, autograph sessions with current and former Pirates players, prizes, games, youth baseball clinics, the Pirate Parrot, the ability to purchase tickets for the 2015 season and much more.

Fans are also encouraged to donate a new toy at the Pirates Charities booth throughout the weekend to support the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Holiday Project. Fans 14 years of age and older making a new toy donation will receive a special Pirates Charities ornament (limit one ornament per eligible fan, while supplies last). For nearly 50 years, the Holiday Project has provided a meaningful holiday gift to children receiving services through the Allegheny County child welfare system. Through the generosity of county residents-including employees of corporations, school groups, faith-based organizations and individuals-tens of thousands of holiday mornings have been brightened.

Fans can visit pirates.com/piratefest for more information on the full schedule of events leading up to and throughout the weekend.