Press release from the TinCaps:
“Get to Parkview Field early!” for TinCaps Opening Weekend
122d Fighter Wing Fly Over highlights list of anticipated Opening Weekend activitiesAs anticipation mounts for Opening Weekend, the TinCaps have released some of what will be in store for fans when they make their way to Parkview Field.
“We are encouraging fans to get to Parkview Field early for each game Opening Weekend,” said Michael Limmer, Vice President of Marketing for the TinCaps. “We know that fans will want to be in their seats to be a part of the pre-game ceremonies. Some of our special events and memorable moments will be taking place before the game’s first pitch. We just want to make sure that fans don’t show up at 7:05pm and miss half the show.”
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Opening Night is a prime example of why fans will want to be in the ballpark early. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on all of the people that were instrumental in making Parkview Field a reality,” said Mike Nutter, TinCaps Team President. “An undertaking of this magnitude can only happen when a dedicated group of individuals from a wide array of specializations come together and work towards a common goal. The City of Fort Wayne is the beneficiary of the hard work of so many – this is our chance to say ‘thank you’ to those people.”
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Here is what to expect before the first pitch on Opening Day:
- Recognition of construction and development entities
- Special Recognition from San Diego Padres and Minor League Baseball
- Special Address from Fort Wayne Mayor, Tom Henry
- Ceremonial First Pitches
- City of Fort Wayne officials and dignitaries
- Parkview Health System special guests
- Color Guard – 122d Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard
- “God Bless America” – performed by Tom Didier
- “National Anthem” – performed by Voices of Unity Choir
- F-16 Fly Over – 122d Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard
- Dayton Dragons and Fort Wayne TinCaps player introductions
“Working with the 122d Fighter Wing has been a great experience,” said Limmer. “It is quite an undertaking to make something like this a reality. We are proud to incorporate yet another source of pride for Fort Wayne in the Opening Day festivities for Parkview Field. I can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when those two jets roar over the ballpark. It is going to be amazing.” Post-game fireworks will immediately follow the end of Thursday’s game.
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The festivities will continue throughout the weekend. “We have the chance to recognize the historic individuals featured on Parkview Field’s concourse displays,” Limmer explained. “We have invited those closely connected to those individuals, or their descendents, to be at the ballpark on Friday, April 17th. This will be our chance to look back on some of Fort Wayne’s greatest baseball legends before and during the game.” Each inning will focus on the impact made by one of those nine individuals, including: Jake Peavy, Eric Wedge, Chick Stahl, Red Carrington, John “Red” Braden, Ford Frick, Dottie Collins, Dale McMillen and Bill Wambsganss. “Each has a special spot in Fort Wayne history and each has a place at Parkview Field to be remembered.”
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Saturday, the TinCaps family focus continues into the weekend. “We’re excited about being able to showcase the ballpark during Opening Weekend, but this facility is all about the fans,” said Limmer. “Saturday is our chance to let the fans be a part of the action as we will incorporate fans in every aspect of the game that day.” Special video board features and on-field promotions will focus on the fans. “At the end of the day, we’re about fun family entertainment, so this is the perfect chance to showcase the people that support the team.” 2009 TinCaps magnet schedules will be given away and face painters and balloon artists will be available at no charge to those in attendance.
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Sunday, the TinCaps wrap up the Opening Weekend festivities with a 3:05pm game time and post-game player autographs. “We love the fact that the players are so accessible at this level,” stated Nutter. “You have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with the Major Leaguers of tomorrow, right here in Fort Wayne.” Fans are welcome to get their favorite players autograph after the game.
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Also, each game of the weekend will include the chance to fans to run the bases after the game. “Parkview Field is for the fans and we love the fact that right after the TinCaps play on the field, the fans get to run the bases, just like the professionals,” stated Nutter.
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