D-Backs add second Tucson game

The Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority announced a second Spring Training game will be played in Tucson this month through a cooperative effort between the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball. The Dodgers and D-backs will play at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, March 25, at 1:05 p.m. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Tucson Together Fund.

The Tucson Together Fund provides financial assistance to victims, witnesses and their families for expenses associated with the Jan. 9 shooting of Congressperson Gabrielle Giffords, leading to the deaths of six others. The Dodgers and D-backs are committed to supporting the Tucson community because of the tragic event on January 8, by helping raise funds for the victim’s and their families.
 

“The entire Dodger organization has been deeply touched by this terrible tragedy that hit so close to home with the loss of Christina-Taylor Green,” said Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt. “We are honored to take part in this game to support not only John and Roxana Green and their family, but the families of all of the victims.”
 

“Words cannot describe how saddened our organization has been over this horrific tragedy that took place in our own backyard,” said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall. “We lost a member of our baseball family that terrible morning, and completely embrace an opportunity to help the Greens and the countless others who were victimized. We are deeply appreciative of the invitation to play and to bring a special community together in honor of some true heroes.”
 

The Tucson Together Fund also assists with expenses related to the shooting incident that are not eligible for financial assistance through the Crime Victim Compensation Program. The Tucson Together Fund will cover a variety of short-term and long-term expenses related to the tragedy, such as travel expenses, food and lodging.  Additionally, it may pay for some expenses that are ineligible under the Crime Victim Compensation Program such as loss of wages, funeral and counseling.  Any expense related to the victim, witness and families that are not covered fully by another source may be considered.
The Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority and Pima County are coordinating efforts for this game. 

“Shocked and saddened by the event of January 8th, we desired to help the families of the victims who still suffer significant hardship,” says Dan Schneider, Liaison for MLB with the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority. “With that in mind we reached out to Major League Baseball, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers with an appeal. Their response was immediate with unconditional support for playing a game in Tucson to benefit all of the families.  It is our honor and privilege to join them in this effort.”

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