TULANE TALK

February 22, 2008

Good Morning:

Let me know if you like Tulane Talk’s new look. I am hoping this is a more attractive format to present my weekly messages to you.

While our repaired campuses re-opened in 2006 after the devastation of Katrina, the homecoming of one very important segment of university life was necessarily delayed. Now the wait is over. The Green Wave Baseball Team, a perennial national powerhouse and cherished New Orleans favorite, will come home tonight at 7 p.m. when the Wave takes on the University of Illinois?”Chicago in the first of a three-game series in the beautifully rebuilt and expanded Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.

While tonight and tomorrow’s games are sold out, tickets remain for Sunday’s match-up and everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities before each game of this special “The Boys Are Back in Town Weekend.”

The fun starts at 5:30 tonight when I will join Tulane Board Chair Philip Greer (for whom the new Greer Field is named) Athletics Director Rick Dickson and Head Coach Rick Jones to cut the ribbon on the new stadium. Major donors to the project will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and Irma Thomas will perform the National Anthem followed by fireworks at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s festivities will begin with a block party at noon on Ben Weiner Drive. Special events will include live music by Bonerama plus food, drinks, giveaways and a military flyover. Sunday is Family/Kids Day where kids get the chance to stand next to their favorite player while Amanda Shaw performs the National Anthem. The day will also include kid-friendly promotions and giveaways plus a post-game autograph session and running of the bases for kids.

As many of you know, after the storm the stadium grounds served as a staging area for much of our reconstruction. This weekend as we rechristen the stadium for its original purpose let’s hope that only fun, sportsmanship and Green Wave wins reign there forevermore.

Have a great weekend,