J.P. Riddle Stadium, affectionately known as “The Swamp”, will be the host venue for the 2011 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game. Family Foods/Taco Bell has teamed with the Fayetteville SwampDogs to present this incredible event. The two-day showcase begins Sunday, July 17 with an All-Star Fan Fest. The CPL All-Star Game will be held on Monday, July 18.

“It is with great privilege that we have selected Fayetteville as the host city for our 2011 CPL All-Star Game,” said league President and Commissioner Pete Bock. “Lew and Darrell (Handelsman), Jeremy (Aagard), Mark (Wilderman) and the rest of the SwampDogs staff do such a fantastic job with their overall operation and year-round involvement with the community that we feel the two-day All-Star event will be a huge success at J.P. Riddle Stadium.”

The All-Star Fan Fest will offer a variety of activities for fans of all ages. A CPL Home Run Derby will highlight the evening of festivities. The Home Run Derby will boast the league’s best hitters in a show of their prowess at the plate. The second annual Guns-N-Hoses charity softball game will entertain those fans looking for an opportunity to watch our local heroes round the bases.

On Monday, July 18, the SwampDogs will host a very special luncheon for players, coaches, front office staff and fans, headlined by a celebrity keynote speaker, before a busy afternoon and evening that includes Major League Scout Day activities, and then the playing of the 2011 CPL All-Star Game. The Coastal Plain League American All-Stars will take on the National All-Stars in a game that promises to showcase the top talent in summer collegiate baseball.

The last time Fayetteville hosted the CPL All-Star Game was in 2006. There are numerous players from those rosters currently playing professional baseball. The home team SwampDogs had seven members on the 2006 All-Star roster. SwampDogs alum Shawn Roof went 2-for-3 and scored a run in that game and finished the 2010 season playing at the Triple-A level with the Toledo Mud Hens. The 2006 All-Star home run derby was won by SwampDog and Fayetteville native, Jason Morales. Morales still holds the second highest number of home runs in the history of the All-Star derby.

Fans can look forward to the opportunity to meet the 2011 All-Stars, get autographs and take in a baseball game packed with talent, all while surrounded by their family. SwampDog fans have come to know and love the atmosphere at “The Swamp”. What they also know and love that fans from around the league don’t know is; the spectacular fireworks extravaganzas that light up the ballpark. Monday night, following the game, will be an incredible fireworks show that will amaze even the most experienced pyrotechnic enthusiast.

“We’re excited to host such a great event,” said SwampDogs Director of Operations Darrell Handelsman. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to showcase our great city and all it has to offer.”

Ticket prices and packages will be announced soon so visit www.goswampdogs.com for your chance to secure your seat for the 2011 CPL All-Star Game presented by Family Foods/Taco Bell.

The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Heading into its 15th season, the Coastal Plain League features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at www.coastalplain.com.

To reserve your tickets today, contact the Fayetteville SwampDogs at (910) 426-5900. For more information on the team, log onto goswampdogs.com.

Jeremy Aagard

(910) 426-5900