High Hopes at The Ball Park
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAs the state's Minor League Baseball teams get set today to open their 2015 seasons, executives are again hoping to capture big box office numbers. The Indianapolis Indians, Fort Wayne TinCaps and South Bend Cubs are coming off record attendance in 2014. During an interview with Bill Benner, Indians General Manager Randy Lewandowski and TinCaps President Mike Nutter say the vibrancy of their downtowns plays a major role in attracting fans. April 8, 2015
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 16, 2015) – The 113th consecutive season of Indianapolis Indians baseball begins on Apr. 9 with a 7:05 p.m. home game versus the Columbus Clippers and will include several special promotions including the fifth annual 60-degree weather guarantee, Bike to the Ballpark, a post game fireworks show and more.
The Indians guarantee the outside temperature will be at least 60 degrees at game time or fans in attendance may exchange their ticket that night for any other April home game. Tickets can be exchanged anytime. WTHR-TV is the official weather partner of the Tribe.
Even before the first pitch, fans are invited to be part of Bike to the Ballpark. The annual tradition begins at downtown's Sun King Brewery. The supervised 1.7-mile ride is free and open to riders of all ages. Once inside Victory Field fans age 21 and older may celebrate the first tapping of the new season's Sun King Indians Lager. Game tickets are not part of Bike to the Ballpark but can be purchased in advance or on the day of the game.
Immediately following the game, and with the beautiful downtown Indianapolis skyline as a backdrop, the night sky over Victory Field will come to life with a fireworks spectacular – the first of 14 this season.
In addition, as fans arrive at the ballpark the first 10,000 people will receive a free 2015 Indianapolis Indians schedule magnet. The fireworks show and schedule magnets are compliments of PPG Paints.
The Indians home opener not only starts the Indians' season, it also launches the team's longest home stand of the 2015 campaign – nine games all against International League West Division foes – giving central Indiana baseball fans ample opportunity to cure any lingering symptoms of cabin fever. In addition to hosting Columbus, Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians for games through Apr. 12, the Tribe also hosts the Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers), Apr. 13-14, and the Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Reds), Apr. 15-17.
Source: The Indianapolis Indians
April 8, 2015
News Release
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (March, 11, 2015) – The South Bend Cubs set a new single-day ticket sales record for professional baseball in South Bend as of 5:30 p.m. today when the ticket office closed. Team management reported selling 9 times as many tickets on the first day of sales this year compared to the first day of sales a year ago. In fact, the team sold 1,000 tickets in the first hour this morning.
“We were prepared for a boost in preseason sales given the enthusiasm for our new affiliation with the Chicago Cubs, but nothing like this,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “Fans started lining up in the cold at 6:30 this morning even though the ticket office didn't open until 10. Even Dunkin Donuts came out and donated coffee and donuts to everyone in line all morning long. If this is a sign, the whole 2015 season will be one for the record books.”
Hart added that the team has only a limited number of physical seats still available for opening day. “At this point, we have less than 500 stadium seats available for opening day,” commented Hart. “This might be the biggest opening day ever. So, once those remaining seats are gone, we'll be selling standing room only seats.”
About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Over the past 27 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.
Source: The South Bend Cubs
April 8, 2015
News Release
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (February 16, 2015) – The 2015 TinCaps season is rapidly approaching. Opening Day at Parkview Field on Sunday, April 12 is just 55 days away. Season tickets are already available for purchase, while single game tickets go on sale Wednesday. And now, fans can have a better idea of the BIG FUN that's in store.
The TinCaps' 70-game regular season home schedule features 30 nights of fireworks, more than 20 different theme nights, 13 nights with national entertainers, and more than a dozen other events. Imagine — all that on top of the chance to see future Major League Baseball stars.
“We're really excited about this year's promotional schedule,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps Vice President – Marketing & Promotions. “While we're bringing back many fan favorites like Star Wars Night and an appearance from the ZOOperstars!, we have more new theme nights than ever before. From celebrations of LEGO to princesses to SNL, there are nights for all ages and interests. Fans will really notice the extra elements and features we've added for 2015.”
Single game tickets are available starting Wednesday (Feb. 18) at 8:00 a.m. at Parkview Field, as well as on TinCaps.com and by phone at 260-482-6400. Fans who come to Parkview Field between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. will be treated to a free breakfast in the ballpark's Suite Level Lounge.
The TinCaps are also offering fans a special Opening Day Plus ticket promotion. With the purchase of a ticket to Opening Day, plus a ticket to another game from April 13-May 14, fans will receive a free regular-sized soft drink and a free hot dog for the second game they attend. Mention this promotion when purchasing tickets via phone or in person.
Source: The Fort Wayne TinCaps