Saw a tweet on Twitter from the IronPig’s General Manager this morning announcing an employee appreciation picnic tomorrow and thought I would comment on this.
From the very first moment I enter the parking lot at The Coke to the moment I turn back onto Union Blvd to leave, there are hundreds of smiles and friends in between.
First I usually run into Bob and friends at the back gate. There is always a good laugh and a funny hat involved and it sets the tone for the great night. Walking into the park we see the security guards who wave, the ticket takers who check me in and sometimes add a “Surprised to see you here” with a smile. They are always willing to give a kid an extra pig hand stamp for good measure.
Getting into the park is a slew of employees handing out give aways and programs. A wave to the Brat guys, a wave from Scott and Annemarie in the trough. A visit over to usher Mike behind 115. Hassling Abbie and Keisha at their portable stands. Teasing whoever is at the Mini golf contest that the game is fixed. Waving enthusiastically to who ever is working in the kid zone. (The Noise Nation version of a game similiar to Monopoly has the Kid Zone assigned as “Jail”). A fresh cold Cherry Coke waiting for me from the folks at the center field hot dog stand. And then we have one of favorites this year. I won’t say her name but she’s been wearing down our resolve and her never give up attitude might see me buying a foam finger soon. On the way out, I get one final wave to Bob in the parking lot.
I can’t say enough about the game day staff. They don’t get paid much and they are there enduring the heat, rain, cold and any other combination of weather thrown at us and always do so with good humor and a smile. Some of the biggest IronPig fans are game day employees.
I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your hard work and what you bring to the IronPig’s family!
OinK!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
I agree with you 200 percent! The workers at Coca-Cola Park are the friendliest, most helpful people you’ll find anywhere — in baseball or any other business. And I don’t say that just because Abbie is my daughter.
I can’t count the times Lindsey has helped me out with things — not to mention her professionalism, which is unparalleled. I look forward to seeing my friends at the West Gate every day, Mike at Section 116, the friendly folks at the 3rd base food stands, and everyone at the satellite Majestic Clubhouse store. And there are so many more.
No wonder we lead the league in attendance. We have a beautiful ballpark, certainly. But we also have the best, friendliest people running it. And that makes all the difference!
Shout-out to Chuck (I think that’s his name…Pigs have been on the road too long) who is normally the usher in 106. If I have his name wrong, it’s the usher with the beard and red Pigs cap. Nice guy and always keeps things in line.
Sounds like your day at the ballpark is similar to mine. I enter at the American Parkway entrance and get the greetings from the gang out there. Then on to park my car and those folks there directing me as to where to park my car and I get a little wave. At times I’ll see Bob too out there. Then after I enter the ballpark, it’s my usual high-fives to the staff as well as the section ushers as I make my way around the ballpark. I always get a smile and a hello how are you doing? and Are we gonna win tonight?? And then it’s off to the Trough and the friendly smiles of AnneMarie and Scott our favorite bartenders. Yes I agree the gameday staff are very friendly and work very hard throughout the season. So let’s give em a Noise Nation shout out and say “job well done by all” Keep up the good work!!