SOUTHEAST DAY AT BUSCH STADIUM SET FOR JUNE 16

The region's Cardinal fans will enjoy a day at the ballpark on June 16 as part of Southeast at Busch Stadium, sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and Southeast Missouri State University.

Last year, the event drew 1,700 people. University Alumni Services Director Kim Groves said she hopes as many as 2,000 people will attend this year's St. Louis Cardinal game against the Chicago White Sox. The game starts at 12:15 p.m.

This year's game will be on Father's Day weekend. "It will be a great day to celebrate at the ballpark," said the Southeast Missourian's Kim McDowell, who is helping to coordinate the event.

Southeast Missouri State has been sponsoring a trip to the ballpark for nearly 16 years. Last year was the first year that the university and newspaper jointly hosted the event.

"What we are trying to do is promote Southeast Missouri," McDowell said. Two thousand tickets along the first base and right field sections have been reserved for the event.

Tickets are $17 for adults and $9 for children, ages 4 to 15. Children 3 years of age and under will be admitted free if they are to be seated on their parents' laps.

Participants can take a chartered bus to the game. The cost is $18 per rider.

Tickets can be purchased from the university's alumni services office by calling 651-5159 or by e-mailing Groves at kgroves@semovm.semo.edu. The deadline for ordering tickets is May 25.