PITTSBURGH PIRATES OPEN SPRING TRAINING WITH
GAME TO BENEFIT MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS

(Bradenton, FL. - February 21, 2008) Manatee County's public schools will be the real winner when the Pittsburgh Pirates play the Manatee Community College Lancers at McKechnie Field in Bradenton at noon on Wednesday, February 27, 2008.

Proceeds from the game will benefit Manatee County's public schools, with funds being split between Wakeland Elementary and the Manatee Education Foundation. The Pittsburgh Pirates have been a long-time business partner with Wakeland, which is located directly across the street from the Pirates minor league training facility in East Bradenton. The mission of the Foundation is accomplished by identifying important needs of the public school system and by addressing those needs through the generous support of the private sector. The Foundation provides funding for college and technical scholarships and for innovative educational experiences through the Cash for Classroom Teacher Grant program and other endeavors.

“It's a win-win situation for Manatee County's public schools,” said Mary Glass, Director of the Manatee Education Foundation. “All of the money contributed to the foundation goes right into the classroom to help our students and teachers.”

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be admitted to the game free while tickets for adults are $5. Tickets are available at the McKechnie Field box office or by calling 1-877-893-2827, or they can be purchased online at www.pirates.com

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