Press Release

(April 2, 2009) The Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce that for the fourth straight year, a schedule of select Curve games will air Fox Sports Radio, 970 (WBGG-AM) in Pittsburgh. The partnership with Clear Channel Communications of Pittsburgh and the Curve started in 2006 and has grown each year, making the Curve the only team in Minor League Baseball to have a radio affiliate in the market of the Major League parent club.

A minimum of 55 Altoona Curve broadcasts will be heard on the Fox 970 airwaves throughout the 2009 baseball season.

“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Fox Sports Radio, 970,” said first-year Altoona Curve General Manager Rob Egan. “We’re extremely fortunate to have such a willing partner in Clear Channel Communications to help us with our efforts to market such a strong fan base in Pittsburgh so they’ll be able to hear about the future stars of the Pittsburgh Pirates.”

“Having the Curve on our airwaves will give us a premier summertime sports lineup,” said Fox Sports Radio, 970 Program Director Jay Bohannon. “The Altoona Curve are a first class, family-first operation that provides a high quality product to a very loyal fan base and we’re happy to associated with them.”

During the week, Curve games will follow the popular “Joe Bendel Show”, which airs from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Every Thursday during the baseball season, Bendel will welcome by Curve play-by-play broadcaster Dan Zangrilli for a weekly “Down on the Farm” segment to give listeners an inside look at the happenings of the Pirates’ minor league system.

The Altoona Curve will also have a strong presence at all live, remote broadcasts done by Fox Sports Radio, 970. Pittsburgh sports fans will have access to plenty of literature about Altoona’s lower ticket and concession stand prices during the 2009 season and how new, tailored Pittsburgh Ticket Packages which will include Curve tickets and an overnight hotel stay for one low price.

The first broadcast of the 2009 season will be Wednesday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m. against the Erie SeaWolves (AA – Detroit Tigers) at 7:00 p.m.

Fans interested in making a trip to beautiful Blair County Ballpark, the home of the Curve, to see the future stars of the Pirates should call 877-99-CURVE or log on to AltoonaCurve.com for more details.