For the first time in campus history, the varsity baseball team will play a league game at Chukchansi Park, April 12.

While Chukchansi Park is in downtown Fresno, the Riverdale Cowboys will be featured as the home team. The opening pitch will be at 9:30 A.M. and will pit the SWSL rivals for the first time this season. Entrance to the game is free.

However, during the evening match up between the Fresno Grizzlies and Tucson Sidewinders, each member of the FC varsity baseball team will be recognized.

?This is such a unique and special experience,? Chris Schultz, athletic director, said. ?Participating in a game like this is a memory that you can have your whole life.?

The Grizzlies are the AAA affliliate of the San Francisco Giants baseball team.

In his third year on varsity, starting second baseman Coleton Hutchins, ’08, appreciates the opportunity he and his teammates received by playing in a professional stadium.

“When I first heard that we were going to play at Chukchansi Park, I was extremely excited,” Hutchins said. “I already played in the stadium for soccer, but it will be much different using the baseball field for its true purpose.”

The first 1,500 people to enter the Grizzly game will receive an official Grizzly baseball hat.

Even though the players appreciate the once-in-a-lifetime experience, center fielder Daniel Kingen, ’09, feels the fans also need to take advantage of the Chukchansi game.

“This will be a very exciting game for the fans because of the incredible venue,” Kingen said. “Our team is prepared to step up and play a game that matches the venue.”

Tickets are now on sale for $8 by the “Fresno Christian Night at the Grizzlies” fundraiser and are available for purchase in the high school and junior high offices. Proceeds benefit campus baseball programs.

?This is a great experience for the kids and the program,? Schultz said. ?We want to let people know what is happening at Fresno Christian and we will have an audience of 10,000 people on Saturday night.?