City of West Night takes place on Saturday
Over 5,000 expected to attend Rangers-Astros game at 6:15 p.m. Berkman to donate fire truck during on-field ceremonies
Arlington, Texas-The Texas Rangers today additional details for the City of West Night event on Saturday, July 6 when the team hosts the Houston Astros in a 6:15 p.m. game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
On Saturday, the Rangers, the Rangers Foundation and corporate partner KIA will host an expected crowd of over 5,000 residents and first responders from West, Texas, which is recovering from the devastating explosion and fires on April 17, as well as surrounding communities. The individuals will wear Support West T-shirts provided by KIA.
During the pre-game ceremonies, Rangers designated hitter and native Texan Lance Berkman will donate a Ford Commercial Pumper Fire Truck to the West Volunteer Fire Department. The donation will be made with the assistance of the City of Arlington Fire Department, which will participate in the presentation.
The pre-game will also include a performance from the West High School Jr. Historian Dancers and on-field recognition of first responders including members of the West Fire Department, Emergency Medical Service, Volunteer Fire Department, and Air Evacuation.
All donations collected during Saturday's Rangers Baseball Tomorrow Equipment Drive will benefit the Legacy West Education Foundation to help youth programs in West. Fans may drop off new and gently used baseball and softball equipment at any entrance of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington from 4:00-6:45 p.m. on Saturday.
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund will donate a $5,000.00 grant to the Legacy West Education Foundation for the purchase of youth baseball and softball equipment. Academy Sports + Outdoors will also be giving a $5,000.00 gift card to that organization. Equipment Drive honorary chairman Mitch Moreland will also present a $27,000.00 check from the Rangers players towards the purchase of additional sports equipment.
In addition, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association will make a donation of $100,000.00 towards the relief efforts and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will present a $40,000.00 check to the West City Council. West Mayor Tommy Muska, members of the West City Council, and West native and former major league player Scott Podsednik will take part in the presentation.
The colors will be presented by the Connally High School Junior ROTC and the National Anthem will be performed by the Minesterial Joint Choir of West. There will be also be a moment of silence for the 15 individuals who lost their lives during the tragedy in West.
The Rangers will wear a SUPPORT WEST patch on the right sleeves of their game jerseys sleeves for the July 6 game. The jerseys will then be raffled to raise additional funds for the relief efforts. Raffle tickets will be sold at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 from the time gates open until 90 minutes after first pitch. On Friday, July 5, raffle tickets can also be purchased at the Rangers executive office during normal business hours.
A number of the residents of West will travel to Arlington by buses provided by the Fox Sports Southwest Fan Express, Dan Dipert Coaches, and Durham Charter Services.