Kramming the Suggestion Box Full

From Kram’s Korner:

Suggestion Box part 3: Game Day!

I’m always thinking, you know. And Game Days are GREAT days. But, here’s what I think would make my game day an even better day:

3. Game-Day Experience

a. We’re all used to the single firework shot often used when the IronPigs score a run. I suggest a different level of celebration for a homerun. Three fireworks? A super-big one? (so long as it’s not too loud, you know)

b. I understand they’ve got a lot invested in the uniforms and the brand so I’m not going to suggest a redesign just yet; however, I would suggest introducing one more alternate jersey at this juncture. Perhaps a more attractive BP jersey and a new BP hat that could then be worn for those super-hot games. Plus, folks who already have all the hats (me) would have an additional hat and jersey to buy. This separate from the jersey auction nights and such.

c. For a while they played the radio broadcast over the PA in the club level lounge and rest rooms (OK, the Men’s room at least—can’t comment on the other one) but then that went away. Too loud? OK, consider adding closed captioning to the game call and turning that on for the TVs at both field level and club level. This is so that we can tell what’s going on in the game in the event of a special play or controversy whilst patronizing the concessions. This would also be helpful in order to find out what’s happening in the other sporting events which are sometimes featured on these monitors. Finally, the sound would be REALLY helpful for the TV pregame show, which is sometimes up on the screens, but meaningless without audio.

(editor’s note – the away games are broadcast on ESPN Radio 1320/1230 AM and can be listened online and/or on smartphone via web streaming applications.)

d. I know it’s expensive for the sponsors, but if you’re going to have an RBI guy or a “pest” or a strikeout guy or whatever–make sure everyone gets the prize, not just one section. Perhaps you don’t need to do it for every game, then–or you rotate them–but if everyone gets the prize I can guarantee that we’ll be more into it. The roast beef chant doesn’t work if but one section gets it. Get the whole stadium involved. The sponsors could then buy a package, just like season ticketholders do, to do the “guy” of the game on an 18-game basis or a 36-game basis or whatever. What I’m saying is that although I don’t care much about the bobble heads, I’m willing to fight for a free roast beef sandwich.

e. I noticed the Ballpark Battlefield will return. Can we simplify the rules somehow? Can we enhance the prize? Free hot dogs? In my section, nobody really cares because we (a) can’t understand it easily and (b) have already eaten by the time there’s any chance at success.

f. One night per week the gates should open a little early to watch BP. They’ve tried this for Seniors on Tuesdays, but my feeling is that if anyone wants to come at 4PM or 4:30 or whatever, they might enjoy watching BP from a designated area even with no concessions open. Perhaps just the club level? Or confined to the plaza? The area behind section 108? The ticket holder Friday BP parties were kind of cool–and I guess they will continue–but this makes it a more regular thing that more people can participate in if they so choose. I’m not against the party or the free food by any stretch, but with a more regular opportunity–perhaps closer to the plate–fans who want to watch prospects up close could get that chance (for both teams). Some stadiums have this one night per week for season ticket holders only. Perhaps allow S/T holders plus anyone who buys a special ticket add-on?

g. Look, everyone loves Hambone. But, it goes unnoticed that nobody ever cheers for Diggity. Why? Because he’s a bad guy. That’s why. Let’s bring it out in the open so that we can more openly cheer against that cheater. Too scary for the kiddos? OK, just have him wear a black mask and goatee sometimes so that he’s “evil diggity” –the regular Diggity’s evil twin. (We need a villain for the Pork Race—and while I’m at it, film a couple extra intros for the season when you’ve got a chance. Perhaps one at night…)

h. I brought this up last year, but I’ll add it again here: I think cross-promoting with the SWB Yankees would be a good idea. I know there are plenty Yankee fans around, and I know there’s plenty support for the IronPigs in SWB, so something could be worked out. I suggest a mini-package for each team to sell which would include games against the fellow team as well as some empty night games–or particular interest away team, or perhaps pre-scouting an opponent due at the other stadium next. I had a similar thought about Reading, but I see that they have some flex ticket packs which would work well for IronPigs fans on away nights. I think the IronPigs might design a 9-game pack for Reading fans on away nights as well as one for Phillies’ on away nights, and promote it that way.

i. It would be great if we could get more replays on the big screen. It may be more of an issue with the Service Electric telecast than the stadium facility, but it would be much appreciated.