×

Local business owner to sing anthem at Atlanta Braves’ game

T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Peggy Riccadonna poses for a photograph at her St. Clairsville shop, The Snotty Pooch Stylish Pet Boutique, on Friday. Riccadonna will sing the national anthem at the opening of the Atlanta Braves’ new spring training facility today in Florida.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Broad stripes and bright stars will be flying high today as a local businesswoman sings the national anthem for the opening ceremony of the Atlanta Braves’ new spring training facility in Florida.

Peggy Riccadonna, St. Clairsville resident and owner of The Snotty Pooch Stylish Pet Boutique, has been selected to sing the anthem during the inaugural spring training baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers this afternoon. She said she will sing a capella at the 1:05 p.m. game.

The Braves’ new spring facility, CoolToday Park, first opened its doors in March. The approximately 8,000-capacity park is a stadium, arena and sports venue located in North Port, Florida.

This is not Riccadonna’s first time stepping up to the microphone. Not only has she been singing since she was 6 years old, but she has performed for numerous professional athletic events including for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I’ve been singing locally since I was 6 years old. I’ve sung with local bands in Pittsburgh and throughout the Ohio Valley for years,” she said.

Riccadonna said the last time she performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” for an opening night was in 2001 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. She said there were about 40,000 people in attendance at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, the largest audience she has ever performed for.

“I was so exited. Everyone saw me sing the national anthem that night,” she said.

That baseball game occurred on PNC Park’s opening night, she said.

“So I thought it would be awesome to audition (for the Braves’ training game),” she said. “This is going to be like a 20-year reunion for me.”

It’s been nearly two decades since the entrepreneur last sang the traditional tune at a sporting event — making the upcoming performance quite special for her. In January, Riccadonna auditioned alongside dozens of other singers to secure the performance. She just recently received the call that she had been waiting for, informing her that she had been selected for the honor.

She said she was thrilled when she was invited back to the Sunshine State to perform for the opening.

“I’m so excited — it’s such an honor,” she said. “I’m proud to have been chosen. I’ll strive to do my very best.

“I’m honored to do it.”

Riccadonna said she hopes to continue performing for similar events in the future.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today