SPRINGDALE, AR - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals have finalized the pre-game festivities scheduled to take place at the home opener at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday, April 10th when the Naturals take on the Frisco RoughRiders. First pitch between the Naturals and the Double-A Texas Rangers is scheduled for 6:05pm.

A special Fireworks Spectacular is scheduled for Opening Night at Arvest Ballpark as the Naturals begin their seventh season of play in Northwest Arkansas. The fireworks show will follow the conclusion of the game.

The gates will open at 5pm and each of the first 5,000 fans to enter the ballpark will receive an official 2014 magnet schedule for Season 7 of Naturals baseball. The home opener is presented by co-sponsors AR Saves Strike Out Stroke and ICM along with media partners KIX 104, Magic 107.9, 93.3 The Eagle, and Hot Mix 101.9.

Fans are encouraged to enter the ballpark and take their seats by 5:45pm for the pre-game ceremony. The pre-game festivities will be highlighted by the announcement of the 2nd inductee into the Naturals' Hall of Fame. Nominees for induction into the Naturals' Hall of Fame this year include 1B Eric Hosmer,1B Kila Ka'aihue, OF Wil Myers, 3B Mike Moustakas, C Salvador Perez, and Manager Brian Poldberg. Clint Robinson, a member of the Naturals 2010 Texas League Championship team and Texas League Triple Crown winner, was elected last year.

In addition to the Hall of Fame ceremony and weather permitting, skydivers are scheduled to land in the outfield to deliver the game ball. There will also be two (2) separate special entrances by the Naturals' mascots, Strike and Sinker, planned along with speeches from Kansas City Royals' owner David Glass and Mayor Doug Sprouse.

The Naturals will take the field accompanied by our Centennial Bank Community Hero, Jay Pounders. Jay was selected as someone that has gone above and beyond in terms of promoting and volunteering with youth baseball here in Springdale. Jay will receive on-field recognition just before the introduction of the starting lineups.

The pre-game festivities on Opening Night at Arvest Ballpark will be emceed by Angela Taylor of 40/29 News.

Single game tickets start as low as $7 and are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Arvest Ballpark box office, online at nwanaturals.com, or by calling our Administrative Offices at (479) 927-4900. Season tickets for all seventy (70) home games, as well as discounted mini packs are also available for purchase.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-