Mike Shannon, legendary St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster and former player, will be featured at a press conference on Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m. on Park Central Square. He will promote his family’s newest endeavor -- “Mike Shannon’s Steaks and Seafood” restaurant -- to open in the historic Heer’s building on the Square in 2009. It will be the second location for the well-known establishment in St. Louis.

Kevin McGowan, CEO of Blue Urban, will also provide an update on the renovation of the iconic department store into 38 condos, two restaurants, and offices. Shannon’s is scheduled to open in late spring/early summer 2009 and the condos are slated to be done in the summer of 2009.

The following twelve downtown restaurants will be supporting Mike Shannon’s visit to the Square and the opening of the Springfield Cardinals season with specials throughout the evening:

Bailey’s American Grille -- 319 W. Walnut -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Big Whiskey’s -- 311 Park Central East -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Bruno’s -- 416 South -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Fedora’s Social House -- 300 Park Central East -- 10% Discount

Hickok’s Brewery -- 314 S. Patton -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Marco’s Pizzeria/Bugsy Malone’s -- 400 South -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of a Pizza

Mille’s Café -- 313 S. Jefferson -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Patton Alley Pub -- 313 S. Patton -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Riad’s -- 105 Park Central Square -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Springfield Brewing Co. -- 301 S. Market -- Half-Price Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Tonic Ultra Lounge -- 317 Park Central East -- Free Appetizer with Purchase of 2 Entrees

Trolley’s -- 107 Park Central Square -- 10% Discount for Anyone Wearing Red

Fans are encouraged to plan to come down before the game for dinner or, for those who didn’t get tickets to the St. Louis Cardinals exhibition game, to meet friends and family and cheer on the Cardinals at downtown restaurants as the game is broadcast locally on KY3 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact: Kathryn Vicat-Dlabach, Urban Districts Alliance Coordinator, at (417) 831-6200 or kathryn@itsalldowntown.com.