Cleveland Indians Announce Opening Day Festivities 2008 MLB Home Opener at Progressive Field on Monday, March 31

National Guard Corporal and Progressive Insurance employee Andre Hampton to be live via satellite from Kuwait as his mom, Kim Shockley, tosses ceremonial first pitch on his behalf

CLEVELAND, 03/25/2008 -- The Cleveland Indians today announced pregame festivities for Opening Day 2008 at Progressive Field on Monday, March 31 vs. Chicago White Sox at 3:05 p.m.

The traditional pageantry of Opening Day in Cleveland, including the giant flag (350ft x 150ft), balloons, special video presentations and starting lineups, will be featured once again as the Indians usher in the Progressive Field era. The giant flag will be unfurled and presented by 200 Progressive employees who have been selected as winners in a "Why should I be chosen to hold the flag during the national anthem on Opening Day?" contest held by Progressive. Participants entered by submitting, videos, essays and photos.

A special tribute highlights the ceremonial first pitch as Andre Hampton, a National Guard Corporal and Progressive employee, will be live via satellite from his base in Kuwait. Andre has chosen his mother, Kim Shockley, to represent him in tossing the ceremonial first pitch. Along with his mother, Andre's wife, Leslie Hardy, and two sons, Xavier (age 6 months) and Alazander (age 2), will also be present for the ceremony. Hampton is on his second tour of duty overseas.

The national anthem will be performed by Ashley Nemeh, who is a local rising star on the music scene who sang for Game 3 of the 2007 ALCS when the Tribe played host to the Boston Red Sox last fall. The sophomore at Case Western Reserve and former graduate of Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland has already released two albums and one single.

The game is SOLD OUT, which marks the 15th consecutive Opening Day sellout for the Indians since the Ballpark opened in 1994. ALL FANS will receive a Progressive Field Cap and a Giant Eagle 2008 Indians Magnet Schedule.

ORDER OF OPENING DAY FESTIVITIES: (Subject to change)

GATES OPEN AT 1 p.m.

2007 POSTSEASON RECAP AND '07 AL CENTRAL CHAMPS PENNANT UNVEILING

ON-FIELD PAGEANTRY: 200 Progressive employees will unfurl and present the 150 X 300 American Flag to go along with the Balloons being set up on field.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX STARTING LINE-UP

CLEVELAND INDIANS INTRODUCTIONS & STARTING LINEUP

PRESENTATION OF COLORS BY U.S. ARMY, NAVY, MARINES, AIR FORCE, & COAST GUARD

NATIONAL ANTHEM: Ashley Nemeh

CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH: Kim Shockley- Mother of Progressive employee Andre Hampton. Andre will join live via satellite from his base station in Kuwait

FIELD IS CLEARED/UMPIRES TAKE FIELD

INDIANS 2008 OPENING DAY VIDEO

TRIBE TAKES THE FIELD/PLAY BALL!

2008 represents the Tribe's 109th American League Home Opener and the inaugural game at Progressive Field.

The Indians encourage fans to be in their seats by 2 p.m. to enjoy the Opening Day festivities.

Source: MLB