HENDERSON — The United States of America will celebrate its semiquincentennial - or 250th anniversary - of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Despite that date falling well after the end of the Freed-Hardeman University athletic season, the FHU family will be able to celebrate during America's Favorite Pastime - baseball.

FHU athletic director Jonathan Estes said, "I love the idea of the Freed-Hardeman family celebrating this great milestone for the country while enjoying America's pastime. This will be a great opportunity to have fun, commemorate a historic event and cheer on the Lions!"

On April 14, Freed-Hardeman will host the Blue Mountain Christian (Miss.) University Toppers for a single nine-inning game beginning at 5:00 p.m. Five Wells Field will host, food, games, and might feature visits from some of America's greatest heroes. A tailgate begins the celebration at 4:00 p.m. 

"We are really excited about the opportunity to host an event like this at Five Wells Field. It is a chance to celebrate our country, enjoy a great night of baseball, and bring our campus and community together," said FHU head baseball coach Jess Trask. "Our guys getting a chance to play in an atmosphere like this will be one they will remember forever! We hope everyone will come out, enjoy the night, and help make it a memorable one for Freed-Hardeman."

Lions Pride Dining Services will be set up at the game and FHU students will be able to use a meal swipe while enjoying the game.

The game will culminate with a post-game fireworks show that Coach Trask hopes are not the only fireworks of the day, saying, "Blue Mountain Christian is a very good opponent out of the Southern States Athletic Conference, so we expect this to be a great game."

As with all Freed-Hardeman home games, FHU students, faculty, and staff receive free admission to the game in addition to season-ticket holders, Lionbackers, and Director's Circle members. The general public can purchase tickets for $10 here or pay at the gate.