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The Tampa Bay Rowdies hosted fans for the Select A Seat event at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday. Fans were invited to tour Al Lang Stadium and pick their 2012 season seat location during this free event.

“It was a good day to have fans come out here and pick their seats and interact with the players. It was nice to see the good turnout and all of the support,” said goalkeeper Jeff Attinella. “Letting the fans come out on the field and hang out with us was really fun for everybody.”

Interactive activities, including mini goals and soccer drills, were set up on the field for fans of all ages. Fans and players alike got to see some of the improvements to Al Lang for the first time.

“It was my first time back to the stadium this year; it feels good to be here because that means we are close to playing,” said midfielder Keith Savage. “I actually got to walk through and see the new work that was done. It is beautiful and I am excited to be on the field to play.”

Rowdies head coach Ricky Hill set foot on the field for the first time this season, talking to returning fans and new faces.

“It was lovely being back on our old stomping grounds at Al Lang Stadium. I was reflecting on how beautiful this venue really is to come and enjoy some quality soccer,” said Hill. “It has been great to meet lots of our fans who are back from last year and they were here today to select their seat and meet the players and staff. It has been heartening to know our fans cannot wait for the season to start.”

Ralph’s Mob and several other dedicated Rowdies fans supported the team with their attendance to the free event.

“I think it is a great way to increase fan interest and support by getting the kids out here, give them a thrill to meet the players up close and personal, getting all their balls signed and everything," said returning fan Jay Anthony. "It has turned out to be a great day.”

The team returns to the training field for its first practice this Thursday, March 1. The Rowdies Rush Preseason Tour kicks off with an intra-squad scrimmage as part of Red Bull Supercamp on Saturday, March 3 at Noon and hosted at Monroe Middle School in South Tampa.

“The best thing about being back is getting back into the swing of things,” said defender and team captain Frankie Sanfilippo. “It was a nice offseason but everyone has the itch to play again. It is good to be back and we want to start with a good preseason and go on to try to win a championship.”

If you missed today's Select a Seat event, you can still contact your account executive to set up an appointment or make your seat selection over the phone. For more information, call 813-287-1539 or email tickets@rowdiessoccer.com.