Texas Rangers to change Friday Home Game Times Beginning June 30

ARLINGTON, Tex. – Texas Rangers President Jeff Cogen announced today the club will move the start times for eight Friday home games in 2006 from 7:05 to 7:35 p.m.

The following games will now start at 7:35 p.m. instead of 7:05 p.m. – June 30 vs. Houston; July 7 vs. Minnesota and 28 vs. Kansas City; August 11 vs. Seattle and 25 vs. Oakland and September 1 vs. Cleveland, 15 vs. Los Angeles and 22 vs. Cleveland.

The later Friday start times are intended to allow dissipation of rush hour traffic, provide an extra half hour of sunset resulting in incremental left field shade and potential for temperature to begin decreasing, and permit time for fans with a substantial commute to pick up their families at home and arrive before the first pitch. The success of the start time change will be evaluated prior to the determination of the 2007 schedule.

“The Texas Rangers are sensitive to the needs of baseball fans in our growing metropolitan area,” Cogen said. “We want to be as informed as possible when we make decisions for next season, with an eye toward maximizing the fan experience.”

The Rangers chose to launch the new start time on June 30 as a result of pre-game entertainment scheduled for the Lone Star Series. Tiffany & Company will present the second annual Diamond Boot Softball Game between the Rangers and Astros wives at 5:30 p.m. Academy Sports and Outdoors will provide the jerseys and equipment, and proceeds from the sale of Diamond Boot merchandise and a special charity auction will benefit Alliance for Children.

Season ticket holders, suite holders, corporate partners, and all upcoming group and individual Friday ticket purchasers for whom the Rangers have contact information will be personally notified of the new start times.

For the most updated schedule information, fans may always refer to texasrangers.com. Tickets for all home games are available online and by calling 817.273.5100.