The Loons will welcome former Tigers Dan Petry (June 18), Milt Wilcox (July 29) and Willie Hernandez to Dow Diamond, while three other members of that team - Kirk Gibson, Jack Morris and Chet Lemon - will be honored by the Loons with bobbleheads on May 27, July 16 and Aug. 10, respectively.

"We knew this year was the 25th anniversary of that team, and here in mid-Michigan it's safe to say there are a lot of Tigers fans," said Chris Mudhenk, assistant general manager of marketing and promotions for the Loons.

"We saw a promotion like this as a good chance to relive that 1984 season and to recognize the accomplishments of that team."

Mudhenk added that a special mini-plan has been configured for the six "Tigers" dates for those wishing to be on hand. The cost for the mini-plan is $54.

The Tigers Championship Celebration is one of two new events headlining the Loons' promotional calendar. The other is the team's "Dollar Family Fest Nights," taking place during Tuesday home games - 10 dates in all. On these nights, the Dow Diamond concession stands will offer hot dogs, ice cream sandwiches, and 12-ounce Coke products for a dollar each.

Aside from the deals at the concession stand and the return of the '84 Tigers, several familiar promotions return to Midland this season. The first of 12 fireworks nights is scheduled for opening night (April 13), and three youth Baseball clinics will take place on May 10, May 31 and June 7.

"From the standpoint of the Loons, our challenge each year is to come up with new and fresh ideas so fans can see different things," Mudhenk said. "But there's also a lot to be said for those promotions that, over time, fans have developed a liking for - kind of a brand association - and that they expect to see year in and year out."

The promotional schedule also includes the appearance of several national entertainment acts, theme nights, and other promotional events including poster giveaways.

Ticket prices have been slightly increased for the Loons' third season of existence; while lawn seating remains $6, reserved seating has been bumped up to $9 from 8.50. "We didn't raise prices last year, but we need to keep our ticket prices in line with the costs of things for the stadium," Mudhenk said.

Mudhenk and the rest of the Loons front office is acutely aware of the current local economic conditions, but they also are optimistic they can keep winning over fans with value.

"We're uniquely positioned in that we're primarily reaching families," Mudhenk said. "And we do have a very affordable product.

"For six dollars, you can come in, get some autographs, maybe you'll be there on a giveaway night, maybe your kid will see Lou E. (the team mascot), maybe you'll see a fireworks show or a band you liked. And in the middle of all that, you saw a Baseball game as well."

On the Web: www.loons.com