It will be just a few days until the Fort Myers Miracle play their first home game of the Florida State League season at Hammond Stadium.

The Miracle play the league’s newest team, the Bradenton Marauders, at 7:05 p.m. Friday. The first of five fireworks shows of the season follows the game. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

Wendy’s Restaurants is teaming up with the Miracle to distribute free tickets to the opener. Fans can stop at any of the 19 Wendy’s locations in the two-county area and pick up free general admission tickets. Tickets can be upgraded to a box seat for just $2 at the Hammond Stadium box office.

New manager Jake Mauer, brother of American League MVP Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins, will lead the team in their 19th season in Southwest Florida. He is the 10th manager in the club’s history and second to have played for the team.

The opening weekend of festivities concludes on April 10 with the first “Kids Opener.” A day devoted to kids to enjoy America’s national pastime. Kids (12 & under) can enjoy free ballpark food from a selected menu and have special access and opportunities.

With 68 more home dates to fill, the Miracle will undertake a 2010 promotional calendar that includes numerous giveaways, themed nights and a post-game concert in addition to an array of familiar nightly offerings.

Tickets for all 70 home games also are available for purchase in person at the stadium or by phone between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.