Park The Bus, See The Sharks For Free

WILMINGTON, N.C.— In an effort to demonstrate the importance of public transportation, while improving the environment for the citizens of Wilmington, New Hanover County, and all of Southeastern North Carolina, The Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority will be sponsoring the 2nd Annual Alternative Transportation Day on Saturday, July 26, 2007. On this day, all citizens will be encouraged to ride public transportation to see many of the attractions that our area has to offer, and enjoy a Wilmington Sharks Baseball Game.

This day of no fares will provide a convenient and free option for many residents to ride Wave Transit buses and experience what their public transportation authority has to offer. In addition to waiving fares for the day, Wave Transit has joined with the Wilmington Sharks Baseball Club and Independence Mall to assist in sponsoring Alternative Transportation Night.

WILMINGTON SHARKS BASEBALL GAME: The Wilmington Sharks baseball game is scheduled for 7:00PM (gates open at 5:45PM) on Saturday, July 26, 2007. Fans are encouraged to park their vehicles at Independence Mall starting at 5:30PM in the parking lot next to the Wachovia Bank building on Oleander Drive. These fans will be provided transportation via Wave Transit buses to and from the game at this parking lot location. Buses will run starting at 5:30PM, and will continue until approximately 9:30PM, or until the conclusion of the game when all fans have returned to their vehicles. In addition, fans who choose to take the Wave Transit buses to the game that night will receive FREE admission to the game. Wait time at the mall will only be approximately six (6) minutes for transportation to and from the game.

In addition to Alternative Transportation Night, the Wilmington Sharks will be raising awareness for an eco-friendly world. Area-wide organizations will be at the ballpark to educate fans on the importance of keeping our Earth green. To help support the event the Sharks will be using special green-colored bases throughout the entire contest verses the Wilson Tobs.

As an added bonus, Independence Mall will be passing out gift bags to the early fans that arrive at the mall to take alternative transportation to the game, which will include the chance to win a mall gift certificate. Sharks’ fans will also have the chance to win prizes, sponsored by Wave Transit, all while enjoying a Wilmington Sharks baseball game. “We would like to thank the Wilmington Sharks and Independence Mall for assisting us in this important event that highlights the importance of public transportation and its’ ability to help improve the environment,” said Wave Transit Director, Albert Eby.

Alternative transportation is important for our community and local environment, and Wave Transit, the Wilmington Sharks, and Independence Mall are proud to support events like this that will improve our community. If you have any questions about Alternative Transportation Day in Wilmington, you can reach Wave Transit by e-mail, mkunic@wavetransit.com, or by phone, (910)202-2057.

-- Jesse Jones, CAPE FEAR SPORTS REPORT