SOUTHEAST MISSOURI RESIDENTS TO TAKE OVER BUSCH STADIUM TONIGHT

Except for a slight chance of rain in the forecast, conditions look great for the 1,700 or so people who hold tickets for tonight's Southeast Night at Busch Stadium.

The Southeast Missourian and Southeast Missouri State University are the joint sponsors of the event that is providing a way to a large group of Southeast Missouri residents to come together to enjoy the St. Louis Cardinal game against the Cleveland Indians.

The tickets sold very well, said Angie M. Grissom with the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation.

"We're excited and pleased by the response," she said.

Also pleased are the people whose tickets were drawn for special treatment during tonight's game. Clay Mothershead, age 13, of Benton was chosen to throw out the honorary first pitch prior to the start of the game. Chosen to go on the field during batting practice and have their photograph taken with a Cardinal player are Daniel Chandler of Jackson, Judy Buck of Sikeston, Tiffany Jenkins, a Southeast student, Jim McCausland of St. Louis, Barry Cordez of St. Louis, Randy Welter of Benton, Barb Kinsey of Cape Girardeau and Bob Fox of Cape Girardeau.

About 380 ticket holders opted to leave the driving to a bus driver. The eight buses carrying them will depart the Show Me Center between 2:30 and 3 p.m. today for St. Louis.

Before the game, about 1,100 people will attend a pregame party on the Sverdrup Terraces where brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, snacks, soda and beer will be served.

Those taking the bus will be dropped off at Sverdrup Terraces. Those attending the pregame party who are driving up themselves should park at Busch stadium and walk to the Terraces, which are on Fourth Street on the east side of the stadium, Grissom said.

Grissom said Southeast Night at Busch Stadium isn't a fund-raiser. Southeast isn't making any money on baseball tickets or the pregame party. Rather it is a way to raise awareness about the university.

"It's a social event to get acquainted with people in the community and a way to get together with alumni and our friends in the community," Grissom said.