MLB coming to CLT ... for one day

From a Charlotte Knights press release that just popped into our inbox:

For the first time in nine years, the Charlotte Knights will play host to a Major League Baseball exhibition game next spring. The Knights will play against their parent club, the Chicago White Sox, on April 1, 2010 at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill at 7 p.m.

“This is a great way to kick off the 2010 baseball season hosting the White Sox,” said Knights Vice-President/General Manager Dan Rajkowski. “Knights fans will be excited to see Chicago’s players and will enjoy seeing some former Knights players back here as well.”

“Every spring, we say it takes more than 25 players to win a championship,” said Ken Williams, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. “Each year, players from the Knights come to Chicago to play important roles in helping us win games. We are looking forward to returning to Charlotte to play this exhibition game in front of the city’s great fans. Players you see on both teams at this game will be difference makers in the Major Leagues in 2010. For us, this is one of our first steps in a season we believe will end with a postseason appearance for the White Sox next October.”

“This is just another great example of how Don Beaver and the entire Knights organization give back to their fans and to the Region as a whole,” said Jeff Beaver executive director of the Charlotte Sports Commission. “The tradition of bringing first-class events to our community continues with this game, providing everyone an opportunity to see the Knights and their parent club prepare for the opening of their seasons. It is also another example of our good fortune to have Triple-A baseball!”

The Knights and White Sox faced off in an exhibition in 1999 at Knights Stadium. The last MLB exhibition was held on March 31, 2001 and featured the White Sox playing host to Montreal Expos (now Washington Nationals). The game was held in front of 12,020 fans.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on December 1. Ticket prices will range from $7 – 19. The Knights are offering a special ticket package for the exhibition game and Knights opening day game. Fans can purchase a field box seat for the White Sox exhibition and opening day for $29 or $23 for a lower level reserve seat.

The Knights 2010 home opener is April 15 at 7:15 p.m. vs. the Gwinnett Braves.

The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket or event information, please contact the Knights front office at (704) 357-8071 or (803) 548-8050 or visit our website at www.charlotteknights.com for more information.