Texas Rangers Announce In-Park Elements for August 20 Tornado Relief Event
Funds for Oklahoma and North Texas tornado victims to be raised during FOX Sports Southwest telecast
The Texas Rangers today announced the details of the in-park elements that will take place on Tuesday, August 20, when FOX Sports Southwest and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will raise funds to support victims of the devastating tornadoes that hit Oklahoma and North Texas in May during FSSW's Rangers-Astros telecast.
A special on-field pre-game ceremony will take place that night with the participants to include the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma Todd Lamb and residents and first responders from Moore, El Reno, and Shawnee, Oklahoma and Hood County in Texas. All four areas received extensive tornado damage during the May disasters.
First responders will unfurl flags of Texas, Oklahoma, and the United States on-field. The colors will be presented by the Granbury Marine Corps Jr. ROTC Color Guard and the Oklahoma City Fire Department Honor Guard. The ceremonial first pitch ceremony will include participants from Moore, El Reno, Shawnee, and Hood County.
In addition, the Texas Rangers Wives Association will be conducting a silent auction for team gift baskets with all proceeds going to the Tornado relief effort. Each Rangers player will have an individual basket in the silent auction which includes autographed equipment and memorabilia, favorite foods, and other items.
The Gift Basket Silent Auction will take place at the home plate gate at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on August 20.
There is also a special Tornado Relief Efforts ticket offer for the August 20 game. Fans can enter the coupon code FSSWBENEFIT on texasrangers.com to purchase Upper Reserved tickets for only $13.00.
Fans will have an opportunity during Tuesday's FSSW telecast to bid on several one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment packages provided by FOX Sports Southwest and participating sponsors. A complete list of the auction packages is included in the attached release.
Limited edition OK Strong/TX Pride "We are One" t-shirts are available now for a $25 cash donation. Key tags also will be available for $25 on Tuesday. Each item carries an additional $5.95 to cover shipping and handling.
Proceeds from the benefit will go to the United Way OK Strong Disaster Recovery Fund and Mission Granbury. The foundations are assisting with the long-term medical, emotional and educational needs of victims affected by the deadly storms that tore through Oklahoma and North Texas.
The online auction will be part of the RANGERS LIVE pregame show at 6:00 p.m. and the game broadcast at 7:00 p.m. and will be hosted by John Rhadigan. He'll provide updates throughout the night from the Captain Morgan Club at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Fans can link to the online auction by visiting www.FoxSportsSouthwest.com and clicking on the BENEFIT banner located on the home page.