Pensacola to Host Two Major NCAA Div. I Baseball Games
The Pensacola Sports Association (PSA) is pleased to announce it has agreed to terms to host two NCAA Division I baseball games in the spring of 2014. The University of Florida Gators will play the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles on Tuesday, March 4 and the Alabama Crimson Tide will play the Troy Trojans on Tuesday, March 25.
Both games will be played at the waterfront stadium at the Vince Whibb’s Jr. Community Maritime Park in Pensacola, FL.
“This will be a great event to showcase our great city and beautiful waterfront ballpark,” commented Ray Palmer, PSA Executive Director. “All four of these programs have great support and a large alumni base in Northwest Florida. We feel these games will not only benefit our local sports fans, but will also be a sports tourism event for the area.”
Individual tickets will be available beginning in December by visiting www.pensacolasports.com or by visiting the stadium’s ticket office. Corporate sponsorship and group tickets will be available August 1 by calling the PSA office at 434-2800.
Game day operations are being contracted to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Palmer stated that the Wahoos’ staff has the proven game day experience needed to provide the visiting teams a quality experience in the best atmosphere possible, as their 2012 “Organization of the Year” recognition confirms.
University of Florida Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan Quote:
“We are looking forward to our program having an opportunity to compete next spring in Pensacola against a quality Southern Miss baseball program. “We are excited to travel and play in front of the Gator Fans in Northwest Florida’s Panhandle and compete in a beautiful stadium, it should be a tremendous environment.”
University of Southern Miss Head Coach Scott Berry Quote:
“We are very excited for the opportunity to play the University of Florida at the Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. This facility is second to none and will provide a great experience for both our players and fans alike. This will also give our Alumni in the Panhandle area a chance to see us play as well as the avid baseball fan who likes to see two good programs compete at the colligate level.”
University of Alabama Head Coach Mitch Gaspard Quote:
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring our team to Pensacola for a game at a great waterfront ball park. It should be a good game between two good baseball programs. We have a couple players from the Pensacola area, so it will be nice to give them an opportunity to play in front of their family and friends. Also, we have a large Alabama fan base in that region of Florida, so it will give them an opportunity to come to the local ball park and support the Crimson Tide.”
Troy University Head Coach Bobby Pierce Quote:
“Everyone associated with our baseball program is excited about the opportunity to play at the beautiful new waterfront park in Pensacola next year. Troy University has a very strong alumni presence in the northwest Florida region and we expect a great crowd while playing the University of Alabama. To have the chance to play a quality opponent in a professional venue is a great benefit for our program.”
For game and sponsorship information, contact Ray Palmer with the Pensacola Sports Association at 434-2800 or e-mail rpalmer@pensacolasports.com.
