The Minister of Tourism will be throwing the first pitch of the Washington Nationals baseball game tonight to kick off ?Bermuda Night? and encourage fans to steal away for an Island getaway.

Dr. Ewart Brown said last night that he was looking forward to pitching one for Bermuda.

?I can?t afford not to do good,? he said, adding that he had been trying to find the time to practise.

As part of the efforts to target specific markets in the United States, especially in gateway cities, to promote travel to the Island, the Department of Tourism has been working with the Washington Nationals to create a festive environment for fans.

The pre-game entertainment includes ?Feel the love? music while images of Bermuda will be projected over the Jumbotron screen in the stadium.

Models sporting Bermuda shorts will provide fans with information and flyers to plan their next vacation, while tropical refreshments will be served in the stadium lounges.

Prior to the game, 1,500 fans signed up on the Nationals website to enter a chance to win a trip for two to Bermuda with lodgings at the Fairmont Southampton.

The winner will be announced at the game when another fan will be chosen from the stands to receive their own dream vacation to Bermuda.

Towels, rum cakes and other Island favourites will also be distributed.