MONTGOMERY -- The Montgomery Biscuits officially released their 2009 home schedule and promotional calendar on Monday, including 16 MAX Fireworks Spectaculars, more giveaways, appearances from some of Riverwalk Stadium's most beloved performers and new theme nights never seen in Montgomery!

"After another strong season at the gate in 2008, we are already looking forward to hosting our sixth season in 2009," said Biscuits President and General Manager Greg Rauch. We've loaded up our 2009 schedule with some tried-and-true favorites and also a lot of new ideas to keep it fresh for our returning fans."

The Biscuits begin their 2009 season with a five-game series at Riverwalk Stadium against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx starting Thursday, April 9. The first three nights of the series will feature a Magnet Schedule giveaway presented by Knology, and MAX Fireworks Spectaculars will cap off the evenings on both Opening Night and Saturday night, April 11.

Friday, April 10 will be highlighted by the first in a series of three poster giveaways presented by Alfa Insurance. The two-sided posters will feature former Biscuits who have gone on to play in the Major Leagues. The poster series will continue on Friday, July 17 and conclude on Friday, August 28.

The Biscuits will hold three other giveaways over the course of the season, presented to the first 3,000 fans in attendance: on May 8, presented by Knology, June 12, presented by your local Chrysler and Jeep dealers, and the "Get 10" giveaway, presented by the Alabama Department of Public Health, on August 30.

The WSFA 12 Summer Entertainment Series returns a fan favorite to Montgomery as everyone's favorite nerd Myron Noodleman visits the park on April 24.

Riverwalk Stadium will be visited by some new faces too, notable Jake the Diamond Dog. Jake will assist the batboy and entertain the crowd on Sunday, June 14, as a part of Bark in the Park Day. Fans are encouraged to bring their own pooches for a dog day afternoon.

In addition to Bark in the Park, the Biscuits are adding some other new theme nights. Friday, July 17 will be Tampa Bay Rays Night, during which the Biscuits will celebrate the meteoric rise of the Rays as one of Major League Baseball's finest teams and celebrate their outstanding 2008 season; Saturday, May 9 will be Circus night, with performers, midway games and a festival atmosphere. Other theme nights back due to their popularity include Military Appreciation Night (June 13), Country night with free pony rides (July 31) and Auburn / Alabama Night (August 15).

Additionally, the Biscuits will hold Family Faith Nights on June 26, July 18 and August 7, perfect for fellowship for local church congregrations; and Montgomery Advertiser Autograph Days on May 31 and August 8, inviting fans onto the field before the game to procure autographs from their favorite players.

Daily promos from 2008 will remain the same in 2009. Each Thursday home game is Thirsty Thursday, with $2 food and drink specials. Each Sunday home game is Kids Day, featuring balloons, Kids Craft Station, a family-friendly atmosphere and Coke Kids Run the Bases after the game. Wednesday home games, meanwhile, are Military Wednesdays, with special discounts on food and drink for credentialed military personnel.

Once again Riverwalk Stadium will host Biscuits Charities Night, on August 29, featuring the United Way Jersey auction. In 2009, fans will have the opportunity to bid on the Biscuits players' game-worn road jerseys, with the proceeds benefitting the United Way.

The regular season concludes with Fan Appreciation Night on September 1, with special events and giveaways planned to thank loyal Biscuits fans.

Courtesy: Biscuits Media Relations