Normally, this is an event for people to gather information and start thinking about buying ticket packages, but we're selling the heck out of them. I think this shows how much excitement people have for this team and these players.

We can't wait for the 2006 Pirates baseball season to get started! Sales have been extremely strong this off-season. We've sold 10,000 season tickets to date and more and more fans continue to purchase each day.

We want to make coming to the ballpark a fun time for everyone, and we don't just want to live off the All-Star game. We want to give people many reasons to come to PNC Park. We have a great product to offer.

We are looking at every piece of our business and saying how are we going to improve the impact that we make, to move this organization forward?

We've listened to the fans. They want more seating, food additions. All of it is meant to enhance the fans' experience.

Regardless of how things are going, it's prudent for us to see what the market will bear. We've had a couple of calls to say other parties are interested in our rights.

I think this shows how much excitement people have for this team and these players.

He will not replace the big green chicken because everyone loves him. The new mascot will be warm and cuddly with one gold tooth. He looks like a Pirate. One will work the one dugout and the other will work the other. Fans will love him.

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor a Steelers' pep rally (Friday), could keep the fans away from this. That shows the Pirates fans' allegiance is strong. This weekend is a testament to the loyalty of the fans of this city.