The Ciego de Avila Tigres, representing the Cuban Baseball Federation, arrived in Prince George on Sunday night in preparation to defend their 2011 title when the World Baseball Challenge begins today.
Cuba begins play Wednesday against JX-Eneos Japan at 7 p.m.
Japan and Chinese Taipei arrived in Prince George on Monday evening, while Team USA touched down around midnight.
The JX-Eneos have won their league 11 times in Japan.
Tickets for sale
The tournament office is open daily
between today and Aug. 17 at Citizen Field, where the public can purchase game tickets or one of the various packages. Single-game tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for youth (16 and under) and seniors (60-plus).
Championship day tickets for either the bronze- or gold-medal game are $15 for adults and $20 for youth and seniors. Tickets for both medal games are $25 for adults and $20 for youth and seniors.
Family and day passes are also available.
Business passes for the 3 p.m. games are $500 for 20 suite tickets. For more ticket information see www.worldbaseball.ca.
The ticket office opens daily at 1 p.m.
Rotary clubs offer day pass
The Downtown Rotary Club and the Nechako Rotary Club have teamed up to offer a free day pass to all Prince George Youth Baseball Association players for the Sunday, Aug. 18 games, featuring Chinese Taipei against Team USA at 3 p.m., followed by Canada versus Cuba at 7 p.m.
PGYBA players need to wear their league hat when they arrive at the park to get their day pass.
Lots of prizes
The five teams on the field aren't the only ones who can win at the WBC. Baseball fans will have many great prizes to bid on in the silent auction. A few of the prizes, perhaps getting a head start on Christmas shopping for the sports lover in the family, include:
A signed, framed Jose Bautista jersey from Coca-Cola
Seattle Seahawks tickets for the Aug. 29 preseason game
Seattle Mariners tickets
Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks) game-used cleats
Signed puck from former WHL hockey stars Seth Jones and Ryan Murray
Wildlife art from Ducks Unlimited
Toronto Blue Jays 2013 team
autographed baseball
CN Centre suite for a Cougars game
Bat signed by Travis Snider
Various autographed jerseys, baseballs and bats as well as various restaurant and local business gift certificates.
Volunteers still needed
Organizers of the WBC are looking for volunteers to help make the tournament a success.
Check out www.worldbaseball.ca to see the jobs that need filling.
