ZEBULON - The Carolina Mudcats open its 2012 season with a six-game homestand at Five County Stadium on Friday, April 6, against the Winston-Salem Dash.

The Mudcats will play its first season in the Carolina League as the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Carolina has 70 home games scheduled at Five County Stadium in 2012.

In addition to the traditional Independence Day game vs. Salem, Carolina will also host home games on Mother's Day (May 13 vs. Potomac) and Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27 vs. Winston-Salem).

Throughout the summer, the Mudcats will host post-game fireworks shows following all 12 Friday night home games.

The 2012 campaign marks the Mudcats' 22nd season of professional baseball.

The Carolina League was founded in 1945 and has a successful lineage of teams in the Five County region, such as the Durham Bulls (1945-67, 1980-97), Raleigh Capitals (1945-53, 1957-62), Rocky Mount Leafs (1962-63, 1965-72) and Wilson Tobs (1956-68).

The Carolina League's roster of teams includes the Fredrick (Md.) Keys, Lynchburg (Va.) Hillcats, Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Pelicans, Potomac (Woodbridge, Va.) Nationals, Salem (Va.) Red Sox, Wilmington (Del.) Blue Rocks and Winston-Salem Dash.

Full and partial season tickets, mini-plans, along with group outings and suite rentals are all available by calling the Mudcats' front office at 269-2287 or by visiting carolinamudcats.com.