National anthem auditions, activities for all ages at Chattanooga Lookouts FanFest. SATURDAY

First dibs on tickets, auditions to sing national anthem are part of fan party

Just three weeks from today, the first pitch will be thrown at the Lookouts home opener in AT&T Field.

To get fans pumped up and ready for the new season, the Chattanooga Lookouts FanFest will be held Saturday, March 17, rain or shine, from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. at AT& T Field, 201 Power Alley.

Along with the ability to buy tickets to this season’s 70 home games, visitors will also get first dibs on purchasing tickets for the team’s popular July 4 Independence Day Celebration, Star Wars Night on May 12 and Used Car Night on Aug. 3.

Fans will have the chance to tour the stadium, take photos on the field, buy discounted team merchandise, check out the speed of their fastball, purchase game-used memorabilia in the clubhouse, take batting practice, play cornhole and other games. And, of course, mascot Looie will be on hand for photo-ops and autographs.

Aspiring singers can even earn the chance to sing the national anthem at one of the Lookouts’ home games.

The team is holding its first “National Anthem Auditions” during FanFest, says Dan Kopf, Lookouts public and media relations manag- er. Open auditions will be on a first-come, first-serve basis between 11 a. m. and 12: 30 p.m. All vocal performances must be a cappella and only traditional renditions of “The Star- Spangled Banner” will be considered for selection at a home game.

The Lookouts will open the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5, at 6: 15 p. m. against Birmingham. The game will be followed by fireworks.

PHOTO I LLUSTRATION BY CAMERON MORGAN From left, Chattanooga Lookouts pitcher Randy LeBlanc, right fielder Edgar Corcino, Looie the Lookout and pitcher D. J. Baxendale.