The A’s return home tonight for a brief four game homestand against Minnesota after a three city road trip that concluded with last night’s thrilling win over Anaheim. Can you recall another single series homestand against one team? Dana Eveland takes the mound in the series opener tonight at 7:05 PM, and there are great giveaways throughout the holiday weekend. Take advantage of the warm weather by coming out to McAfee Coliseum to see your 2008 Oakland Athletics.

Upon entry to Friday’s game, receive a Jack Cust Bobblehead, which is available to 15,000 fans. As if that wasn’t incentive enough to arrive early, there will be a special pre-game presentation to Brad Ziegler, who just broke a 101-year-old record by starting a career with 39 1/3 scoreless innings pitched.

Upon completion of Saturday night’s game, we invite you to come down to the outfield grass where you can watch our third fireworks show of the season. Bring that special someone because the theme of Saturday night’s show is “Duets”. We have word from a well-placed source that this show is going to be “awesome.”

Sunday’s series finale begins at 1:05 PM and 7,500 kids will receive a Back-to-School backpack. Your child may dread going back to school, but at least they can go in style. Kids that stay for the whole game are invited to the Oh Boy! Oberto Beef Jerky’s Post-Game Race Around the Bases. Baseball pants and high socks are strictly optional.

The A’s won’t play a game on Labor Day for the first time since we can remember. This provides us with a free day to sleep in, boulder, BBQ by the pool, head to the dog park, and enjoy any other “labor free” activities that we fancy. What do you plan to do with your baseball free/office free day?