The five-time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots will open 2012, the team’s 15^th season anniversary, at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday, April 26, with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Long Island Ducks.

Join the Patriots for the start of a new season that welcomes over 20 new players to the team as Somerset looks to get back to the playoffs and win a sixth Atlantic League Championship.

The opening night festivities will include a spectacular post-game fireworks show.

The Patriots continue opening weekend with a game on Friday, April 27, where the team will give away schedule magnets for all fans in attendance and host Give Kids The World Day, presented by Staybridge Suites.

Saturday, April 28, features the second fireworks whow to open the season.

The Patriots conclude the first home stand with a 1:05 p.m. game on Sunday, April 29. The first 1,500 kids in attendance will receive a Youth Replica Jersey. The game includes a pre-game autograph session and after the game all kids get to run the bases.

Opening night will kick off a special 15^th season anniversary that will include the 5,000,000^th fan and 1,000^th win in team history. Both milestones are expected to be reached later in the season.

Throughout 2012, the Patriots will count down the Top 15 Patriots to have played for the team since the inaugural Atlantic League season of 1998. The top 15 players were voted on by fans, Patriots players and coaches, and team officials. The Patriots will announce the selected players and have special commemorative giveaways including baseball card strips and a Top 15 lithograph painted by renowned artist James Fiorentino.

Tickets are available for opening night and the weekend games.