The Detroit Tigers welcomed a sold-out crowd on Opening Day at Comerica Park, and throughout The District Detroit, fans celebrated the return of baseball and their hometown team. Area restaurants and retail stores like Union Assembly, Frita Batidos, M Den, Tin Roof, Hockeytown Café and others joined in on the fun of the day.

In this video, hear from representatives of Union Assembly — a relative newcomer to Columbia Street – and fan-favorite Frita Batidos, about what Opening Day and an exciting Tigers baseball season means to them.

Momentum continues in The District Detroit, with additional retail tenants slated to open soon, including Detroit House of Comedy, JoJo’s Shake Bar, Sahara Restaurant, Basan at the Eddystone, and more.

Statement from Christopher Ilitch, Chairman and CEO – Detroit Tigers on Miguel Cabrera reaching 3,000 career hits:

“Congratulations to Miguel Cabrera on his 3,000^th career hit! Like Tigers fans, I’ve been proud to witness Miggy’s amazing and historic 3,000 hit and 500 home run milestones, putting him among a select few MLB legends. I thank Miguel for a career of exciting, Hall of Fame caliber play towards our objective of championship baseball for Tigers fans. Miggy has and continues to build his status as one of the greatest Tigers of all-time.”

Statement from Al Avila, Executive Vice President and General Manager – Detroit Tigers on Miguel Cabrera reaching 3,000 career hits:

“Seeing Miguel grow from a teenager taking batting practice on neighborhood fields in Venezuela to becoming one of the best players in baseball history has been one of the great joys of my life. His humility, passion for having fun, and genuine love of the city of Detroit are completely unmatched and joining the 3,000 hit club only strengthens his standing as one of the game’s all-time greats. This is a tremendous  accomplishment, and we know there are many more exciting times on the horizon.”

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Ally joins United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as proud partners

313 Presents announced today they have entered into a multi-year corporate partnership agreement with Ally Financial, expanding the Proud Partnership umbrella of Pine Knob Music Theatre. Per the agreement, Ally joins United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as the official Proud Partners of Pine Knob Music Theatre. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are elated to welcome Ally and have them join United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as Proud Partners of Pine Knob Music Theatre,” said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. “Like UWM and Trinity Health, Ally shares our passion for amazing entertainment, alive moments and providing unparalleled customer service. 313 Presents and our family of Proud Partners are excited to help bring the Pine Knob brand back to life in a new and exciting way as we look to our 50th anniversary and beyond.”

“Our mission to Do It Right extends to our work in our communities and helping to restore the Pine Knob brand is very worthy of Ally’s support,” said Ally Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer Andrea Brimmer. “We’ve been a part of this community for more than 100 years and are happy to help continue the tradition of some of the nation’s best concerts and activations at this local institution.”

Ally becomes the exclusive financial partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre. The digital financial services company will have exclusive naming rights to Pine Knob Music Theatre’s Ally East Entrance/Exit, Ally East Village, Ally East Parking Lot and Ally East Box Office.

As previously announced, United Wholesale Mortgage – the No. 1 wholesale mortgage lender in the country for seven consecutive years, and recognized as a best place to work in metro Detroit – is the exclusive mortgage partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre, and will have exclusive naming rights to Pine Knob Music Theatre’s UWM West Entrance/Exit, UWM West Parking Lot and UWM West Box Office.

Trinity Health is the official and exclusive health care partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre. The VIP area of Pine Knob Music Theatre will be branded as the Trinity Health VIP Entrance/Exit, Trinity Health VIP Parking Lot, Trinity Health VIP Box Office and Trinity Health Ivy Lounge.

313 Presents will incorporate its Proud Partners throughout its updated branding components.

Pine Knob Music Theatre is continually ranked among the top amphitheaters in the world and is a preferred venue for many of the nation’s top touring acts. Ranked #1 in the world in Pollstar’s 2019 Year-End Rankings, the venue plays host to world-class entertainment events, concerts, comedy, family shows and community functions.

Pine Knob Music Theatre’s 2022 summer concert season will mark its 50th anniversary, as the iconic venue opened its doors on June 25, 1972 with a matinee performance by David Cassidy. At the time of its opening, Pine Knob was the largest amphitheater in the U.S., becoming one of the most active and successful outdoor venues in the country. Through hosting acts ranging from rock, pop, country and contemporary, Pine Knob became a template for other outdoor venues to follow.

Follow Pine Knob Music Theatre Presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally on Twitter at @PineKnobMusic, Facebook at Pine Knob Music Theatre and Instagram at @PineKnobMusic.

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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is proud to announce the promotion of Michele Bartos to senior vice president of Human Resources. During her 20+ year tenure with the Ilitch organization, Michele has remained dedicated to supporting the most important asset of the organization: its people.

“Our people are the backbone of our organization, and I am grateful for the opportunity to ensure our businesses continue to attract and retain the best and brightest talent,” said Michele. “One of my greatest professional joys has been to help people join our organization and then see them thrive and   grow in their careers.”

Michele began her Ilitch career in 1997 as a recruiter for Olympia Entertainment. Her keen ability to identify and engage skilled, diverse talent as well as help on policies, benefits matters, and other employment related issues was recognized, and she was soon promoted to director of Human Resources. Michele’s scope of responsibility continued to expand, and she was again promoted to vice president of Human Resources, supporting not only Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, but also Ilitch Holdings and Olympia Development of Michigan.

“Michele is an invaluable member of our team and a tireless advocate for our colleagues,” said Chris McGowan, president and CEO of Ilitch + Sports and Entertainment. “We are thrilled to promote Michele to senior vice president and look forward to her continued leadership on important issues impacting our people and organization.”

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Over the past two decades, Michele has played a pivotal role in some the most transformational sports and entertainment milestones across the Ilitch organization, including the recruitment and training of event staff when both Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena opened in The District Detroit. Leading up to the opening of Little Caesars Arena and the creation of 313 Presents, Michele led the complex organizational restructuring and transition, helping to ensure that new and existing colleagues were set up for success.

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“I’ve greatly enjoyed being a part of the Ilitch companies and am excited for the opportunity to lead the human resource function at the next level, nurturing the culture and spearheading our people-focused initiatives to support strategic business priorities,” Michele said.

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Baseball is back! Recently president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. – and chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers – Christopher Ilitch visited Spring Training at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, meeting with players and club leadership, as well as taking in team workouts and a game. Tigers broadcaster Dan Dickerson caught up with Chris during his Tigertown trip to discuss exciting off-season moves, optimism for this season and more. Check out their conversation in the third of a three-part video series, below.

Baseball is back! Recently president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. – and chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers – Christopher Ilitch visited Spring Training at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, meeting with players and club leadership, as well as taking in team workouts and a game. Tigers broadcaster Dan Dickerson caught up with Chris during his Tigertown trip to discuss exciting off-season moves, optimism for this season and more. Check out their conversation in the second of a three-part video series, below.

• Detroit native and 12-time Grammy winner Jack White to perform National Anthem before flyover
• Tigers to celebrate the life of Kimera Bartee; son Amari Bartee to throw out ceremonial first pitch
• Taylor North Little League World Series championship team to be recognized
• Miller Lite Tailgate to be hosted in McLaren Garage Plaza and along Witherell Street outside Comerica Park

For the first time since 2019, the Detroit Tigers will welcome a capacity crowd to Comerica Park for Opening Day, Presented by Rocket Mortgage, this Friday, April 8 against the Chicago White Sox at 1:10 p.m. The club today announced several ways to celebrate the start of baseball for fans heading to The District Detroit, both on the exterior of Comerica Park for Detroit’s Biggest Party, and inside the ballpark leading up to first pitch.

Tigers fans have shown their excitement and anticipation for the 2022 Tigers season, with just standing room only tickets remaining for Opening Day. Great seats for the remainder of Opening Week, featuring home games against the White Sox on Saturday, April 9 and for Chevy Sunday Kids Day on April 10, are available at tigers.com/tickets. The Boston Red Sox will also visit Comerica Park for a three-game series that begins on Monday, April 11.

ARRIVE EARLY!

Gates to Comerica Park will open early for Opening Day, promptly at 10:30 a.m. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a 2022 Season Magnet Schedule, Presented by Rocket Mortgage. Live music, photo opportunities, the Detroit Tigers Foundation 50/50 Raffle and much more will greet Tigers fans as they enter the concourse area.

Fans can take advantage of the Miller Lite Home Run Happy Hour – located on the Pepsi Porch – from 10:30 a.m. until Noon. Select concession items will cost just $5, including 16 oz. domestic beers, Pepsi products, hot dogs, and more.

At the Chevrolet Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. until noon, fans can also purchase $5 16 oz. domestic beer, in addition to a signature cocktail.

Tigers fans are reminded that all tickets at Comerica Park are now digital. Fans are encouraged to download tickets to their digital wallet before leaving home to ensure seamless entry into the ballpark. All bags, purses and clutches are prohibited. Only wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted. Parking can be reserved in advance on ParkWhiz.com.  

INTRODUCTIONS OF 2022 DETROIT TIGERS GET PREGAME FESTIVITIES STARTED

One of the memorable traditions on Opening Day each season is the individual introductions of the Tigers players, coaches and support staff. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 12:40 p.m. to root on the team for the first time in 2022.

JACK WHITE TO PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM AFTER FLYOVER

Singer/songwriter Jack White and his band will perform an instrumental version of the National Anthem on Opening Day, capping off what will be an unforgettable pregame ceremony. White’s performance will be followed by a flyover at Comerica Park featuring four A-10 Thunderbolt “Warthog” aircrafts from the 107th Fighter Squadron, and part of the 127th Wing located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

White is a Detroit native and a Cass Technical High School graduate who has won 12 Grammy Awards. It will mark his first time performing the National Anthem, and kick off a year of touring for White’s new album, “Fear of the Dawn.”

TIGERS TO HONOR KIMERA BARTEE’S FAMILY; AMARI BARTEE TO THROW OUT CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH

Prior to the National Anthem and flyover, Tigers fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects to the late Kimera Bartee and his family in a pregame tribute at approximately 12:50 p.m. Bartee, Detroit’s first base coach during the 2021 season and a former Tigers player, tragically passed away on Dec. 20, 2021. He was just 49 years old.

The Tigers will introduce Bartee’s family and hold a moment of silence. Amari Bartee, the son of Kimera, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Tigers and White Sox taking the field.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPION TAYLOR NORTH BASEBALL TEAM TO BE RECOGNIZED

The Taylor North Little League team, which captured the hearts of Michiganders and won the Little League World Series last August, will once again be recognized at Comerica Park prior to Friday’s game. Cam Thorning, a standout slugger on the team, will deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound before both teams take the field. Taylor North is the first Michigan team to win the Little League World Series championship since Hamtramck accomplished the feat in 1959.

MILLER LITE OPENING DAY TAILGATE OUTSIDE COMERICA PARK

The Tigers are excited to host the first-ever Miller Lite Opening Day Tailgate from 9 a.m. until first pitch in the McLaren Garage Plaza and along Witherell Street outside Comerica Park. The event will feature a band, DJ, interactive games, $5 16 oz. domestic beer, photo stations and additional corporate partnership initiatives.

Fans are also encouraged to stop by Frita Batidos Detroit and Union Assembly on Columbia Street, Tin Roof across from Comerica Park, and Hockeytown Café for pregame food and beverage options in the heart of The District Detroit.

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Baseball is back! Recently president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. – and chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers – Christopher Ilitch visited Spring Training at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, meeting with players and club leadership, as well as taking in team workouts and a game. Tigers broadcaster Dan Dickerson caught up with Chris during his Tigertown trip to discuss exciting off-season moves, optimism for this season and more. Check out their conversation in the first of a three-part video series, below.

• Fan-favorite theme nights and special events include Negro Leagues Weekend, ¡Fiesta Tigres!, Pink Out the Park, Detroit’s Biggest Summer Baseball Bash and more
• Friday Night Fireworks return to Comerica Park starting the last weekend in May
• Tigers to retire No. 1 jersey of “Sweet Lou” Whitaker on August 6 vs. Tampa Bay
• New food and beverage and merchandise items available for Tigers fans to enjoy all season long

The Detroit Tigers will welcome back the best fans in baseball for Detroit’s Biggest Party on Opening Day, Presented by Rocket Mortgage. In conjunction with the annual “What’s New” media event at Comerica Park, the Tigers today rolled out new food and beverage menu items, in addition to fan giveaway items for the 2022 season, merchandise in The D Shop, Tigers Authentics items, corporate partner integration and much more.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tigers fans back to Comerica Park, both on Opening Day and throughout the upcoming season,” said Ellen Hill-Zeringue, Vice President of Marketing. “We have some amazing experiences planned for our fans, including Pink Out the Park, the jersey retirement of Tigers legend Lou Whitaker, our second annual Summer Bash, Negro Leagues Weekend, ¡Fiesta Tigres! and much more.

“It’s going to be a very exciting summer at the ballpark, and we can’t wait to celebrate the start of baseball season with Tigers fans on Opening Day next week!”

Limited tickets for Opening Day – on Friday, April 8 against the Chicago White Sox at 1:05 p.m. – remain available at tigers.com/tickets, in addition to individual games for the 2022 season. For the first time, the Tigers are excited to host the Miller Lite Opening Day Tailgate in the McLaren Garage Plaza and along Witherell Street.

Tigers fans are reminded that all tickets at Comerica Park are now digital. Fans are encouraged to download tickets to their digital wallet before leaving home to ensure seamless entry into the ballpark. All bags, purses and clutches are prohibited. Only wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted.  

THEME NIGHTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Tigers fans will have the opportunity to attend and engage with several theme nights and special events throughout the 2022 season. Fan-favorite events returning to Comerica Park include:  

• Pink Out the Park Presented by McLaren Health Care: Friday, May 13 vs. Baltimore Orioles
• Star Wars Night: Saturday, May 14 vs. Baltimore Orioles
• Summer Bash Weekend Presented by Miller Lite and Bally Sports Detroit: June 10-12 vs. Toronto Blue Jays
• 20th annual Negro Leagues Weekend Presented by Comerica Bank: June 17-19 vs. Texas Rangers
• Independence Day Weekend Presented by Miller Lite: July 1-4 vs. Kansas City Royals/Cleveland Guardians
• ¡Fiesta Tigres! Presented by Miller Lite – Friday, August 19 vs. Los Angeles Angels
• Fan Appreciation Weekend: September 30-October 2 vs. Minnesota Twins (Saturday, October 1 Presented by Visit Central Florida)

FAN GIVEAWAY ITEMS

Tigers fans visiting Comerica Park this season will once again have the opportunity to walk away with tremendous giveaway items. The first 10,000 guests in attendance will receive that day’s giveaway item.

• Detroit Tigers 2022 Season Magnet Schedule: Friday, April 8 vs. Chicago White Sox (Opening Day Presented by Rocket Mortgage)
• Pink Out the Park Light Weight Hoodie: Friday, May 13 vs. Baltimore Orioles (Pink Out the Park Presented by McLaren Health Care)
• Floppy Hat, Presented by National Coney Island: Saturday, May 28 vs. Cleveland Guardians
• Miguel Cabrera 500 Home Runs-Themed Figurine, Presented by DTE Energy: Friday, June 10 vs. Toronto Blue Jays
• “Detroit’s Biggest Summer Baseball Bash” T-Shirt, Presented by Bally Sports Detroit: Saturday, June 11 vs. Toronto Blue Jays
• Negro Leagues Replica Jersey, Presented by Comerica Bank: Saturday, June 18 vs. Texas Rangers
• Patriotic Print All Over Shirt (ages 21+), Presented by Miller Lite: Friday, July 1 vs. Kansas City Royals
• ¡Fiesta Tigres! Hat (ages 21+), Presented by Miller Lite: Friday, August 19 vs. Los Angeles Angels

“SWEET LOU” JERSEY RETIREMENT, PRESENTED BY BALLY SPORTS DETROIT

On Saturday, August 6 against Tampa Bay, the Tigers will retire the jersey of No. 1 Lou Whitaker, one of the greatest position players to ever wear the Olde English ‘D.’ Tigers fans – no matter the age – hold a special place in their hearts for Lou Whitaker. He is a World Series Champion, five-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and the 1978 American League Rookie of the Year.

Whitaker’s number retirement will feature renowned Tigers players and coaches speaking during a pregame ceremony, a video tribute and the unveiling of a new wall rendering that will signify Whitaker joining an elusive club that includes the likes of Al Kaline and Ty Cobb, Trammell and Jack Morris. The first 10,000 fans in attendance on August 6 will receive a Lou Whitaker Replica Jersey, Presented by Bally Sports Detroit.

NEW FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS

The Tigers, in partnership with Delaware North Sportservice, are thrilled to announce additions to the Comerica Park food and beverage menu at various concessions locations for the 2022 season. Over the years, fans have come to appreciate new and traditional food offerings as a part of their ballpark experience. There will also be additional healthy items located throughout the ballpark. New additions include:

• Brisket and Mac ‘N Cheese Pasty: Rich, flaky crust stuffed hatch and chili queso Mac ‘N Cheese with smoked beef brisket
• Coney Pasty: Rich, flaky crust stuffed with ballpark frank slices, coney sauce, mustard and diced onions
• Polish Pasty: Rich, flaky crust stuffed with cheddar and potato pierogis, grilled smoked sausage and sauerkraut
• Apple Pasty: Tender apples and cinnamon baked in rich, flaky crust
• Motor City Chicken: Tender pork loin wrapped in bacon, drizzled with spicy Michigan Maple Syrup  
• Fresh Italian Sausage: Grilled rope Italian Sausage topped with marinara, peppers and onions
• Milk ‘N Cookies: Big chocolate chip cookie and half pint of Guernsey milk
• The Notorious P.I.G. – Smoked pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, onion straws and pickled jalapeno peppers, drizzled with BBQ Sauce on onion roll
• Fat Rooster Chicken Sandwich: Fried spicy chicken topped with house-made pickles and slaw and honey mayo on sweet Hawaiian Roll
• Impossible Burger: Plant-based burger with lettuce, tomato and onion
• Gyro Nacho: Crispy pita chips, carved gyro meat, chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomato, onions and tzatziki
• Beer Braised Brat: Grilled bratwurst simmered in beer and butter, topped with sauerkraut and served on pretzel bun

NEW AND UPGRADED CHEVROLET PAVILION

The Chevrolet Pavilion – located in left field – has been reimagined with a new bar that now faces the Comerica Park field, and a rebranded canopy and signage that is visible both from the concourse and the field side. Detroit-based Atwater Brewery branding is now also featured.  

THE D SHOP: YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR TIGERS MERCHANDISE

The D Shop at Comerica Park, open during Tigers games and non-event hours, is your one-stop shop for new Tigers merchandise. Here’s a few items you’ll want to check out before, during or after a Tigers game.

• Expanded line of “Detroit Roots” items, including a t-shirt, sweatshirt, can cooler, pin and mug
• New styles of ladies merchandise to include trending cropped-style fit
• New styles of bracelets and purses
• Jerseys for fan favorites Akil Baddoo, Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal, and the newly signed Javier Báez
• New line of Negro Leagues Weekend/Detroit Stars merchandise, including caps and home and road T-shirts
• Expanded line of New Era 5950 caps, including exclusive team designs and a collaboration with Big League Chew
• The Detroit Tigers 2022 Yearbook will be available for purchase, a great collector’s item for Tigers fans

AUTHENTICATED TIGERS ITEMS AVAILABLE ON COMERICA PARK CONCOURSE

Check out the newest Tigers Authentics items for the 2022 season, including Riley Greene Autographed Bats, baseballs, jerseys and photos, Spencer Torkelson autographed baseballs, Spencer Turnbull Autographed No-Hitter items, Miguel Cabrera Autographed items with “500 Home Run Club” inscription and much more.

The Detroit Tigers Authentics Shop is open to ticketed customers on game days behind Section 133 at Comerica Park. All Detroit Tigers memorabilia items are 100 percent authentic. Each item is marked with a numbered tamper-proof hologram by Major League Baseball.

NEWLY-BRANDED ENTRANCES

Three entrances at Comerica Park have been rebranded due to new and long-standing relationships with loyal corporate partners. Gate A is now the Comerica Entry, while the former Gate B is now the Rocket Entry. Gate C has been re-branded the Gallagher Entry.

COMERICA BANK CUSTOMER AND CARD HOLDER PERKS

The Tigers are proud to announce additional benefits at the ballpark for Comerica Bank customers and card holders. Customers who show their card at the VIP Gate located at the Comerica Entry will be able to skip the line. In addition, a $25 credit will be added for Comerica Bank customers that upload their card to the Comerica Bank Mobile Wallet located in the MLB Ballpark App. The mobile wallet can be used to order and pick up concessions, and for in-seat ordering at select seat locations.    

CHEVY SUNDAY KIDS DAYS RETURN

Every Sunday at Comerica Park is a Chevy Sunday Kids Day, featuring the opportunity for kids in attendance – ages 12 and under – to run the bases after the game. In addition, free Carousel and Ferris Wheel rides on the Comerica Park concourse will return on Sundays for kids of the same age group. Sunday Kids Days will also feature face painting and a personalized baseball card station.  

Additionally, the Sunday Family Value deal includes four lower-level seats, four hot dogs and four soft drinks for just $99.

NEW KIDS CLUB MEMBERSHIPS

Get your child excited about baseball and softball and save money on tickets with the Detroit Tigers Kids Club, Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Kroger and Bally Sports Detroit. For only $16, Kids Club members enjoy special insider access and exclusive perks, awesome Tigers gear, and much more. Visit tigers.com/kidsclub, or sign up at the ballpark in the Comerica Park concourse.

DETROIT TIGERS FOUNDATION 50/50 RAFFLE

The Detroit Tigers Foundation is proud to announce the fan-favorite 50/50 raffle at Comerica Park will return this season on all Friday, Saturday and Sunday games. Beginning on Opening Day, fans can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets from dedicated kiosks located throughout the ballpark prior to the seventh inning. Proceeds from each 50/50 raffle benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation, which supports the growth of youth baseball and softball in Detroit and across the state of Michigan.

1901 SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM – JOIN TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $6 PER GAME!

The Detroit Tigers 1901 Society is the club’s Season Ticket Membership Program. Designed with your unique needs and interests in mind, the 1901 Society offers unprecedented inside access, unforgettable experiences and exclusive benefits for our most loyal fans, on a year-round basis. Visit tigers.com/1901, and join today for as little as $6 per game.

ENJOY TIGERS BASEBALL FOR YOUR GROUP OUTING! For groups of 10 or more, the Tigers offer expanded discounts, which include better seat locations and increased ticket discounts. Visit tigers.com/groups for all the details.  

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