“Over 1,500 Re-Name Suggestions Through First Week of Contest
Only One Week Remains For Fans to Make Team Name Suggestions

In less than one week over 1,500 submissions have been entered at HarrisonSquareFortWayne.com to re-name Fort Wayne’s Minor League Baseball team. The team is accepting suggestions from the community as to what name it will take when it begins play in the new downtown ballpark next April, part of the Harrison Square development.

“We launched the contest on the evening of Sunday, June 15th and within 24 hours we had almost 500 team name suggestions,” said Michael Limmer, Assistant General Manager of the Wizards. “We weren’t sure how many to expect when the contest launched, but interest has been overwhelming. We continue to be impressed with the creativity that the community has shown, especially in the ways they have tied in some of this area’s rich history.”

While the team is not ready to share suggested team names this early in the contest, they are not short of potential candidates. “We wouldn’t want to dampen the creativity with over a full week left for fans to submit names, but there are certainly strong candidates that we have already received,” stated General Manager, Mike Nutter. “The hardest thing for us will be to narrow this list down to a manageable number. We know that when the open submission period ends on June 30th we will have our work cut out for us trying to pick the best out of such an impressive collection of names and ideas.””

“Due to the large volume of suggestions, team officials may have to make some adjustments for the remainder of the contest. “I’m not sure it was such a great idea to have all submissions sent directly to my email address,” joked Limmer. “I’d get to work in the morning, check my email and my inbox would be completely full. Get back from lunch and it would be full again. I thought it would slow down after a few days, but it’s been that way all week. I’m glad there’s only a week left, I’m looking forward to getting my inbox back.”

While the team has had a strong response it continues to encourage the public to enter their submissions. “We want to hear from everyone that has an idea. The last submission may be the best one,” explained Nutter.

The team will select one contest participant to receive a prize package that will include season tickets for the 2009 season, a shopping spree in the team store and the opportunity to throw a ceremonial first pitch at the new ballpark on Opening Day 2009. Those interested in making their suggestions, or simply learning more about the Harrison Square project, can visit HarrisonSquareFortWayne.com. Submissions are being accepted through midnight on Monday, June 30th.”