After a week-long road trip, the Augusta GreenJackets return to Lake Olmstead Stadium today to begin a four-game homestand.

According to the team's front office, this is the weekend they've been waiting for.

"Thursday, Friday and Saturday we're expecting our three largest crowds of the season back-to-back-to-back," general manager Nick Brown said Tuesday.

After selling out every box and reserved seat, only general admission tickets remain for Friday's and Saturday's games -- which will feature fireworks.

The rarity of this weekend's games might be part of the big draw. The GreenJackets haven't played at home on July 4 since 2003.

Brown said discount beverages on Thursday and fireworks on Friday and Saturday would be enough to entice big crowds. Add in Independence Day festivities and favorable weather forecasts, and Brown said it's the ideal conditions for a record-breaking weekend.

"A lot of teams are scared of playing at home over a holiday because they say people go out of town," he said. "That's not the case with us. We know we're a viable option because with the price of gas and everything else this summer we're probably the most affordable option in the CSRA for family entertainment."

The GreenJackets improved play should also entice fans to turn out. Through 13 games in the second half of the South Atlantic League season, the GreenJackets (10-3) moved into first place with Tuesday's win.

Pitching aces Daryl Maday (6-4, 1.58 ERA), Madison Bumgarner (8-2, 1.77) and Craig Clark (6-1, 4.00) are slated to get starts for the GreenJackets during the homestand.

Brown had some advice for anyone planning on visiting the ballpark this weekend.

"Come early because parking will be an issue," he said. "Fireworks are usually our largest walkup crowds of the season. ... So get here early."

All games are scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. Gates open at 6.