FRESNO FALCONS ANNOUNCE
A SALUTE
TO THE CHICKEN!
SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 7:30PM
Fresno Falcons vs Bakersfield Condors

FALCONS TO RAISE BANNER
IN FAMOUS BIRD'S HONOR!


http://www.famouschicken.com/
 

Fresno, CA..The Kelly Cup Playoff bound Fresno Falcons have announced plans for a PREGAME SALUTE TO THE WORLD FAMOUS SAN DIEGO CHICKEN this Saturday, March 22 to take place just prior to the 7:35pm face off against their arch rivals, the Bakersfield Condors. The Famous Chicken will be performing at this game.

Saturday night the Falcons will raise a Famous Chicken Banner to the rafters at the Save Mart Center. The Famous Chicken Banner will forever be displayed next to the 2002 Taylor Cup Championship Banner, the 2006 Pacific Division Champions banner, and the # 1 Jeff Ferguson, # 21 Glen Gulutzan, and
# 27 Greg Spenrath retired player jersey banners. The Famous Chicken Banner will be raised in honor and celebration of the career of Ted Giannoulas, who for more than thirty years has performed as the San Diego Chicken (Famous Chicken). In fact, Ted will be celebrating his 34th Anniversary as the Chicken this spring.
(I included Chicken Q&A at the bottom of this email)

"The Fresno Falcons, on behalf of Chicken fans everywhere, especially here in Fresno, are proud to bestow this honor on Ted Giannoulas, the Famous Chicken. I have worked with the Chicken for almost twenty years and believe he is not only the pioneer of the sports mascot entertainment industry, but the most entertaining mascot of all time. He is a Hall of Fame Bird! This is an extraordinary honor for an extraordinary entertainer. The Fresno Falcons will be the first team in professional sports to raise a Chicken Banner, I hope other teams will follow suit." John Tull CEO, Fresno Falcons

Saturday's appearance by the Famous Chicken is sponsored by Carl's Jr. Chicken tickets are on sale at the Save Mart Center and Ticketmaster. For more information on Saturday's appearance by the Famous Chicken or the pregame Famous Chicken Banner raising ceremony, please call John Tull at 559-352-1173.

Fresno Falcons Hockey...The Coolest Game in Town!

John Tull
CEO
Fresno Falcons Hockey &
Marketing Manager
Fresno Fuego Soccer
Save Mart Center
2650 E. Shaw Ave.
Fresno, CA 93710
(P) 559-347-3601
(F) 559-347-3610
(C) 559-352-1173
jtull@fresnofalcons.com
www.fresnofalcons.com


CHICKEN Q&A

His Theme/Goal as a performer (why does he do it?)
My goal is to create laughter and amusement in the festive setting which sports brings us together. I'm just playing the class the clown for all those who wish they never grew up.

First appearance by Chicken? When did he launch his career?

My first appearance was March 30, 1974 at the San Diego Zoo as a radio station promotion.

My first sports event appearance was 10 days later on Opening Night for the Padres on April 9, 1974.

It came the night after Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home run record.

How many countries has he performed in?

I've performed in 8 foreign countries: Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.

How many major league baseball cities?

I've performed in every major league city in North America, except Boston, where no team there has invited me.

Highlights or special milestones of his career?

Among the highlights include performing at the White House at the first ever T-ball game played there, being recognized by the editors of the Sporting News as one of the Top 100 sports figures of the 20th century, performed to more than 70 million people in live attendance at all events around the world

Length of career?

My career has been 34 years long.

Number of appearances in Fresno?

Over the years, I've appeared in Fresno at Bulldog basketball and football games, Grizzlies baseball and of course, Falcons hockey. I've made a total of 16 appearances in town, beginning in 1979 at Selland Arena for a Bulldog basketball game--which was my first collegiate appearance in my career for a school outside San Diego. In addition to Selland, I've performed at Bulldog Stadium, Beiden Field and the Save Mart Center.

Other information you feel is important.

Overall, I've played at more than 5,000 games, never missing a single one. If the playing streaks of Cal Ripken and Lou Gehrig were to be combined, they still couldn't match my consecutive game numbers.