D-backs to celebrate Fourth of July during game versus Padres

Military Day festivities, postgame fireworks, T-shirt giveaway highlight game PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks will celebrate Independence Day by hosting Military Day and presenting a post-game fireworks show during the July 4th 6:40 p.m. game against the San Diego Padres. The first 25,000 fans through the gates will receive commemorative D-backs Fourth of July T-shirts. The D-backs will honor the various branches of the armed forces during pre-game ceremonies and in-game presentations. D-backs players will be wearing special blue stars and stripes logo-stitched caps and the bases will be logoed as part of MLB's Welcome Back Veteran league initiative. All military-personnel can also receive half-priced upper level tickets to the game by presenting their military ID at the Chase Field ticket office. Following the game, the D-backs will host a 15-minute patriotic-themed post-game fireworks show, presented by Gila River Casinos. The Chase Field roof will be closed during the game but will be opened immediately following the game for the fireworks presentation, which will start less than 10 minutes after the final out. FSN Arizona will also honor those in the military with its "This One's For You" telecast. During the coverage of the D-backs game, the television network will recognize members of the United States military and have also made special plans to conduct live satellite interviews with an Arizona National Guard unit currently serving in Iraq. American troops worldwide will be able to celebrate July 4th by watching the game live via the American Forces Network, which will carry the telecast. At the same time, a satellite feed from Iraq will allow FSN Arizona to conduct live interviews during the game with Arizona National Guard's 996th Area Support Medical Company who will be watching and cheering on the D-backs at its base in Baghdad when it begins at 4:30 a.m. for them. In addition, 70 family members of this unit, as well as other Arizona National Guard soldiers, have been invited to attend the game at Chase Field by the D-backs and FSN Arizona. They will watch from a party suite while being able to see and speak with their loved ones stationed in the Middle East. Ticket specials are not limited to the servicemen and women, as the D-backs offer a number of ticket options that fit any budget. Having the lowest average ticket price in MLB, according to Team Marketing Report's annual Fan Cost Index report, tickets are available for as little as $10. One of the ticket options available on July 4 is the season-long Family Fridays ticket special, which includes a ticket to the game, a medium Pepsi, a Diamondback Dog and a free pass to the Phoenix Zoo for just $15 a person. Additionally, fans can purchase a D-backs Fireworks 6-pack for only $11 per game by selecting six of the nine remaining D-backs Friday night home games to attend. Fans can purchase individual tickets at the Chase Field ticket office, by calling 602.514.8400 or online at dbacks.com.