May 11, 2005

Oakland A's Offer Special Ticket Promotion to Help Raise Funds for Barry Zito's Strikeouts For Troops

A's also set to host Silent Auction During Boston Series to benefit Strikeouts For Troops

OAKLAND, Calif. May 11, 2005 - The Oakland A's will offer fans two complimentary View Level tickets to the Memorial Day game on Monday, May 30 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for every contribution of $50 or more to Barry Zito's "StrikeoutsforTroops," a national program that provides some 'comforts of home' to our wounded service members being treated at military hospitals. The 6:05 p.m. game will feature a post game pyrospectacular fireworks show.

Fans who make a donation at the www.strikeoutsfortroops.org website will receive a contribution receipt via email which can be taken to the A's Coliseum Box Office to redeem the two free game tickets.

"I am so proud that my team is supporting 'Strikeouts For Troops' to make a difference in the lives of our wounded soldiers, the true heroes in uniform," said Barry Zito. "Many are recovering in hospitals far from home and family - I saw this first hand when I recently had the honor of visiting Walter Reed Army Medical Center and spent time with our soldiers - most of them amputees ranging in age from 19-24."

Zito is contributing $100 for every batter he strikes out this season and has recently been joined in this effort by six time All Star pitcher Curt Schilling of the Boston Red Sox and two time All Star pitcher CC Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians, both who are matching his pledge.

In addition to the Memorial Day Promotion, the A's will host a Silent Auction during the Boston Red Sox series (May 16-18) on the concourse behind section 120 to benefit "Strikeouts For Troops."

This effort is funded by contributions to the "Strikeouts For Troops Fund" at The Community Foundation For the National Capital Region. (www.cfncr.org). Freedom Alliance, a national non-profit organization, tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code, will help to distribute the funds to the troops.

Tickets for all A's home games can be purchased at all usual ticket outlets, including McAfee Coliseum Box Office, on-line at oaklandathletics.com and all Tickets.com outlets; or over the phone by calling (510) 762-BALL, (925) 762-BALL, (408) 998-2277, (530) 766-2277, (650) 478-2277, (415) 478-2277, (916) 766-2277 and (800) 225-2277 outside Northern California. Season, group and luxury suite tickets can be purchased by calling (510) 638-GoA's (4627). Individual game tickets for the 2005 season are priced at $36 (plaza club), $35 (MVP), $28 (field level), $26 (plaza infield), $18 (plaza outfield), $10 (view level) and $9 (bleachers).