Detroit's All-Star Weekend

Get ready Detroiters: All-Star mania is upon us.

With a mere 5 days until the 2005 All-Star Game, big-game fever has already begun taking hold of the D.

For weeks, small signs of baseball's midsummer soiree have been emerging. We've had city-wide cleanups. We've seen banners go up on downtown lampposts and the emergence of bold, red billboards with game-day countdowns. And, just recently, we watched as a massive baseball graphic was placed on the side of GM's World Headquarters at the Ren Cen. Tomorrow morning, the fun finally begins.



Check out some of the star-studded events happening this weekend, only in downtown Detroit:

John Hancock All-Star FanFest:

In its 15th year providing entertainment for the All-Star Game, this all-ages fan spectacular is the world's largest baseball event and will feature more than 30 attractions that are sure to satisfy the entire family. Get autographs from famous-name players, evaluate your batting and pitching skills in the video cages, talk about your game with MLB coaches and umps, or pose for your very own Major League Baseball card. All-Star FanFest begins tomorrow morning and runs through Tuesday at Cobo Hall. Tickets are $16 for adults, and $11 for members of the military, seniors (65 years and older), and children ages 2-12. Kids 2 and under get in free.



Taco Bell All-Star Sunday:

If the All-Star Fan Fest isn't enough to satisfy your baseball fancy, have no fear - Sunday is jam-packed with even more opportunities to do just that. Starting at 4 pm, Comerica Park plays host to the All-Star Futures Game - an annual contest that pits the best minor league players from the United States against the league's best international players. Get roster information, buy tickets, or find out more about this event here.



Last, but not least, Detroit's All-Star weekend festivities end with a bang on Sunday night at the annual Legends and Celebrities Softball Game. Featuring baseball greats like Ozzie Smith, Willie Hernandez, Bo Jackson, and Dave Winfield, this year's game is sure to be another fan favorite.



And that's just the weekend! Monday is the Home Run Derby and Tuesday is the All-Star Game - Detroit is set for a week of fun.

For more information on Fan Fest, Taco Bell All-Star Sunday, or the Legends and Celebrities Softball Game, visit MLB.com. Also check out my fellow-blogger's Tigers site at www.detroittigersweblog.com - he has some great tips on parking, information on a FanFest BBQ, and more.

Have a question or comment on this post? I'd love to hear from you! E-mail me at girl.in.the.d@gmail.com.