The Cedar Rapids Kernels have announced 11 "Gate Giveaway" dates for the 2013 season at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The promotions begin with a double giveaway on Friday, April 5. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a free Kernels cap, thanks to the Best Western Longbranch. Magnet Schedules also will be passed out, thanks to MercyCare Community Physicians.

The other "Gate Giveaways" include (first 1,000 fans unless indicated):

• Friday, April 26 - Copyworks Team Photo Night No.1 (first 500 fans)
• Thursday, May 30 - Iowa Wrestling T-Shirts (part of Iowa Wrestling Night)
• Friday, June 7 -  Mr. Shucks/TC Bear Bobbleheads
• Friday, June 14 -­ Superman/Kernels T-Shirts (part of Superman Movie Night)
• Friday, June 28 - Kernels Snow Globes (part of Halfway to Christmas Night)
• Friday, July 5 -­ Perfect Game USA Kernels Baseball Card Sets
• Friday, July 12 -­ Copyworks Team Photo Night No.2
• Friday, July 26 -­ Twins Youth Baseball Jerseys (first 800 kids 12-under)
• Friday, Aug. 16 -­ Kernels Black & Gold T-Shirts (part of Hawkeye Sports Night)
• Friday, Aug. 30-  Fan Appreciation Night

All giveaways begin when the gates open one hour before the scheduled first pitch. Visit www.kernels.com for game times or pick up a Kernels Pocket Schedule at various locations around eastern Iowa.

2013 season ticket packages and 10-game coupon books are on sale now at the stadium, or by calling the Kernels at (319) 363-3887. Individual game tickets go on sale Monday at 10 a.m.

Fans may purchase single-game tickets early by coming to the Sixth Annual Spring Fling this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ballpark.

The 2013 Kernels will arrive in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, April 2 and the first chance to meet the new team will be on Wednesday, April 3 as part of "Meet the Kernels Night" from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Kernels will open the 2013 Midwest League season at home against the Beloit Snappers on Thursday, April 4 at 6:35 p.m.