Yesterday, the IronPigs released information about the 2013 concessions. There are some exciting new additions, and some changes. Here in KramsKorner we’re always excited by food–perhaps too much so. Early this season we expect to post a Comprehensive Guide to Concessions at Coca Cola Park. But until then, read about what’s new:
..
Sooeey’te Spot Frozen Yogurt
This frozen yogurt stand will open later in April near home plate, where the souvenir stand used to be. It will feature six flavors nightly, with a variety of toppings. You will be able to make your own, mix and match, and then pay by the ounce.
..
Boar-ito Stand
Located out near the Bud Light Trough, the re-done Mexican stand will feature make-your-own burritos of pork (of course), beef, chicken, or all vegetarian. Customize your toppings! You’ll also be able to get the Nacho Porker here, and the Walking Taco. Adult beverages at this stand will include LandShark Lager and Lime-a-Ritas.
..
Bratz Platz Grill
Thought to be located in the ATT Plaza, but location has not been specified. The grill will feature Boss Dogs, Bratwurst, and Jalapeno Bratwurst served with a selection of toppings including sauerkraut, cole slaw, onions, and peppers. The rolls will be pretzel!
..
Trough Grill
The trough grill will be the only location for the new Bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
..
Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Fresh fruit smoothies in flavor such as Strawberry Patch, Honest Energy, and Hula Hula will be available near section 107.
..
Here are some other notes I gathered from the IronPigs press release:
Food and Beverage service will be available in both the Hot Corner AND the Bacon Strip
Bypass Lane will continue in its current form for field level (pick up) and club level (delivery)
Soft drinks (Coca Cola offerings, of course) and Adult offerings (featuring Budweiser products) remain mostly unchanged
32oz beers will continue to be available at the Trough, Tiki Terrace, portables, and Club Bar
Philly Pretzel (yay!), Aww Shucks Corn (yay!), Gyro Company (yay!), and Nuts For You (yay!) all return.
Pig Stop in the club level returns, now under control of the new executive chef, Jerry Rogers
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have created quite a firestorm of media attention with the recently announced Urinal Gaming System installed at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA.
The ticketing folks despite being quite busy were as always on top of their game and I appreciate the season ticket holder swag! Great job guys and gals!
What fortunate timing the day after the big announcement and the Park was chock full of people eager to talk Urinal Games. A few mentioned that it’s quite fun and surprisingly accurate.
According to the front office reaction to the announcement was for the most part quite positive. There were certainly a few that were downright displeased about the new addition and one who completely misunderstood what the Urinal Game was all about. Definitely a funny story – not really fit to print in this blog – but feel free to use your imagination.
The IronPigs’ Director of New Media and ‘radio guy’ Jon Schaeffer is the Whiz behind the reporting and responding to the myriad of media requests. “Schaeff” aka the Porcelain Prince is not taking this announcement Sitting Down and it’s likely his Number 1 priority at the moment as he’s clearly not Piddling Around with the constant Stream of inquiries.
Seriously though…
When asked his reaction to all the media and fan attention Jon said, “I think we realized that when we sent out the release it was going to receive a lot of fanfare. An overwhelming majority of the feedback has been positive, too. We are excited that it has raised awareness for men’s health and prostate screening. According to American Cancer Society, in 2013, about 240,000 cases of prostate cancer were expected with close to 30,000 fatalities. This is the message that Lehigh Valley Health Network will be communicating throughout the season.”
It’s important to note that despite all the media hype whether good or bad, there is an important message within all this. If the idea of Urinal Games can further foster prostate cancer awareness I’m not sure you can find fault in any of it.
Jon also mentioned, “The idea was actually tossed around by (GM) Kurt (Landes) and (former Director of Multimedia Design and Entertainment) Matt Zidik years ago, but never came into fruition because there wasn’t a supplier in the U.S. with the technology available. Kurt and Captive Media touched base and once it became apparent that it would be available in the U.S., our organization expressed interest.”
There you have it folks, the season hasn’t even started yet but in typical IronPigs’ fashion they have managed to create a buzz that probably hasn’t been seen since opening day 2008.
Only 1 week – 7 days – 168 hours or 10,800 minutes until first pitch. We’re certainly ready, the IronPigs are ready – Are you?
We joked about this in a previous post (without leaking the information) but Coca-Cola Park is bringing a Urinal Gaming System to the stadium, where I’m sure the Urinals will receive a standing ovation!
Pee On!
OFFICIAL IRONPIGS NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 26, 2013
COCA-COLA PARK TO FEATURE FIRST “URINAL GAMING SYSTEM” IN NORTH AMERICA
P-Controlled Video Games Added to Men’s Restrooms at Coca-Cola Park
(Allentown, PA) – Coca-Cola Park will be the first sports venue in the world to feature a brand new revolutionary “Urinal Gaming System”, allowing fans to interact with the world’s only truly hands-free urinal game controller, when the Lehigh Valley IronPigs open their 2013 season this April. The p-controlled video game systems will be featured within all men’s restrooms at Coca-Cola Park and are exclusively presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network.
“These games are sure to make a huge splash,” exclaimed IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “Our fans are always looking for the next big thing and these ‘X-Stream games’ are another example of our commitment to providing an unparalleled entertainment experience in all aspects of Coca-Cola Park, including our restrooms.”
When a user approaches the urinal, the video console flips into gaming mode, using patented technology that detects both his presence and stream. Algorithms then allow the user to engage with the screen by aiming in different directions to test their agility and knowledge. The games are 100% intuitive and custom-built to provide a unique user interface along with an easy and seamless experience. The Urinal Gaming System was created and developed by United Kingdom-based Captive Media. For more information on Captive Media, or to see a video of the p-controlled video games, visit www.captive-media.co.uk.
Upon completion (an average of over 55 seconds according to published research) users will receive their score and a code to enter. They can then view their position on the leader board or check the website to see how they stack up with the rest of that night’s competition. High scores will be displayed in real-time across various videoboard displays within Coca-Cola Park.
“Baseball fans know all about RBI, ERA and OBP,” said Angelo Baccala, MD, of Lehigh Valley Urology Specialty Care and chief of Lehigh Valley Health Network’s division of urology. “But when it comes to their own PSA, many men don’t have a clue. We see this game as a fun and unique opportunity to remind men about the importance of prostate health.”
Understanding what prostate-specific antigen (PSA) means is just a first step, Baccala said. He hopes the game will motivate more men to talk with their physician and, if appropriate, get screened. “Baseball, above all, is about team, and so is prostate health. Men should work together with their physician to devise a game plan that makes sense for them.”
There are a number of games planned for the 2013 season, including alpine skiing, which allows users to speed their way through snowy mountains on a snowmobile while attempting to hit cartoon penguins (seriously). The games will rotate throughout the season to provide users with a unique experience.
Captive Media’s technology was in development for four years prior to debuting in venues in the UK in 2012. Coca-Cola Park is their first Global and North American sports venue.
Coca-Cola Park has been among the most progressive venues in professional sports since its highly-acclaimed debut in 2008, receiving numerous honors and distinctions, including Ballpark Digest’s “Ballpark of the Year” award and “Best Game Operations and Presentation” award as chosen by gameops.com.
A record-setting 688,821 fans visited Coca-Cola Park during the 2012 season – making it the most frequented venue in Minor League Baseball for a third consecutive season. In fact, the IronPigs are the only Minor League franchise to eclipse 600,000 in attendance for each of the last five campaigns.
Lehigh Valley Health Network includes three hospital facilities – two in Allentown and one in Bethlehem, Pa.; nine health centers caring for communities in four counties; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices throughout the region; pharmacy, imaging and lab services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred. Specialty care includes trauma care at the region’s busiest, most-experienced trauma center treating adults and children, burn care at the regional Burn Center, kidney and pancreas transplants; perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer, and neurology and complex neurosurgery capabilities including national certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Hospital, the only children’s hospital in the region, provides care in 28 specialties and general pediatrics. Lehigh Valley Health Network has beenrecognized by US News & World Report for 17 consecutive years as one of America’s Best Hospitals and is a national Magnet hospital for excellence in nursing. Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Cancer Center is one of only 21 sites nationwide that partners with the national Cancer Institute’s Community Cancer Centers Program. Additional information is available at lvhn.org and by following us on facebook.com/LVHealthNetwork and twitter.com/LVHN_MediaTeam.
Single-game tickets for the 2013 season presented by Capital BlueCross as well as the Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game are available now by visiting ironpigsbaseball.com, by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447) or at the Coca-Cola Park ticket window during normal business hours. Season tickets, mini plans and group tickets are also on sale now.
— pig out —
Jon Schaeffer Director, New Media Lehigh Valley IronPigs Triple-A Affiliate, Philadelphia Phillies
It’s been 5 seasons now. We’ve gotten to know the IronPig players. We’ve seen them come and go both up and down and out. We cheered them on as Phillies and even cheered for our favorites if they got an opportunity with another big league team. Over 5 years there are other faces we’ve seen come and go. Folks that we refer to as our summer family, the hardworking folks behind the scenes.
Granted, each year brings along a fresh batch of IronPig interns… but we do have some IronPig staffers who have been around for the long haul.
We honor them here and now.
First off, The Horn & Bell would like to recognize the management team. Well known and publicized throughout minor league baseball team President Chuck Domino and General Manager Kurt Landes, and Howard Scharf have created a baseball empire in the Lehigh Valley. Their accomplishments are well-known so I will keep this brief.
As for who takes care of the finances you will normally find them in a pair. Deb Landes and Michelle Perl are usually found at Coca Cola Park not far from each other and quick with a smile and wave.
Following up the finances we have the Marketing team veterans Ron Rushe and Lindsey Knupp. While most IronPig fans will recognize Lindsey for her on field work she also hosts a swarm of responsibilities to keep the ball park experience fresh and new while retaining the classic ballpark experience. Not as direct but just as visible is Ron Rushe. Working hard behind the scenes and helping the fans get those cherished game day give aways. Next time you see him… thank him for that bobblehead.
The marketing team would not be complete without mentioning Morris Morioka. Even though he joined the team recently, Morris was here in 2009 and intermittently throughout the next few seasons inspiring new ideas for the IronPig fans. Coca Cola Park would not be the same without him.
Tickets! Get your Tickets! These folks selling tickets have the busiest jobs in minor league baseball! Scott Evans, Amy Shoch, Don Wilson and Brad Ludwig are still leading the charge for IronPig ticket sales. The demand for the highly prized IronPig tickets is high and these folks give the fans what they want. Even more so as in the last two years the IronPigs have added several new seating areas to accommodate additional fans to include the Tiki area and the 2013 premiere of the Bacon Strip and Hot corner!
Whoever has visited Coca Cola Park, has heard about the IronPigs or just passed through for a game knows how loved the IronPigs are. Community Relations Director Sarah Marten is largely responsible for that. The Hackers and Homers golf tournament, the Phillies Banquet, the Miracle League support and the hundreds of thousands of dollars that IronPig’s Charities distributes to the community are just small examples of what Sarah brings to this team and our community. Just yesterday two separate people spoke of how great and generous Sarah was in helping with their charity event. More communities need people like Sarah Marten.
That brings us to Food and Concessions. Sadly, we saw our old friend Jan Giejda depart recently. Farewell old friend. Happily we still have Mary Nixon, Nick Wootsick and Brock Hartranft to keep providing us with those game day treats we so look forward to.
Another departure was that of Head Groundskeeper Bill Butler. While the details of where Bill went and according the ‘Pigs website, Ryan Hills is new Director of Field Operations. As I’ve heard Ryan was one of Bills first members of Bill’s staff in 2008. Fear not, though, we still have Jason “Diesel” Kiesel on staff having been with the Pigs staff also since 2008!
Lest we forget Adam Fondl the Merchandise Director. Adam is always quick to answer your merch questions and just recently provided to one of our readers a very in-depth, professional response to a sizing question.
An IronPig experience wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our good friend Pat Golden. Pat’s welcoming smile make every day a little brighter. A great memory of Pat was following the AAA All Star game. Two employees of the Rochester Red Wings staff became stranded with car trouble and Pat stayed late to make sure they got on their way safely. Going the extra mile is the standard for her.
Saving the Best for last, the IronPig’s broadcast team of Matt Provence and Jon Schaeffer have long been supporters of the Noise Nation! Using stats, interesting facts and trivia these guys have pulled together an IronPig legion of fans craving more. Matt and Jon make those road trip days much easier to get through.
While that’s all the “old timers” of the organization, we’d like to recognize IronPig Employees who’ve “Moved on to the Bigs!” While you can say only a few have moved to Major League Baseball, I see these folks pursuing their dream and having gotten a boost from their time in the IronPig’s organization. The IronPig’s have quickly solidified themselves as one of the top minor league teams to gain experience and learn how a successful front office operates. The list below is not all-inclusive (my memory gets worse every day) but that I am able to compile this lengthy list shows how the IronPigs are impacting baseball franchises across the country.
– Tommy Viola (Tommy the V) now Media Director for the Charlotte Knights
– Matt Zidik (The guy who ran the scoreboard and music) now (as seen on LinkedIn.com) is the Manager of in-game entertainment for the Pittsburgh Pirates
– Tyler de Rouen (Tyler completed most of the graphics we enjoy throughout the game. He did excellent work. Via LinkedIn he is the Graphic Designer at Turn5, Inc.| AmericanMuscle.Com.
– Christa Linzey (Ironpigs 2008) since then Marketing for the Phillies
– Robbie Aaron (Radio intern) now with Daytona Cubs known for an ejection for playing “3 blind mice” in the stadium following a bad call.
– Tim Doohan – Rochester (AAA) Director of Media Relations
– Alex Cohen – Hunstville (AA) radio voice (#1)
– Mike Ventola – Southern Illinois (Ind) radio voice (#2)
– Tim Murray ’09 – Frederick (A) radio (#2) and full-time media
– Brandon Greene – Richmond (AA) Group Sales Director
– Danny Tetzlaff – Yakima (R) Assistant GM/Consultant
– Ryan Contento – Reading (AA) Client Relationship Manager
– Matt Millward – Charlotte (AAA) Director of Ticket Operations
– Elyse Holben – Richmond (AAA) Suites & Group Executive
– Steve Pump – Richmond (AAA) Director of Stadium Operations
– Steve Ruckman – Richmond (AAA) Director of Field Operations
We will certainly miss all of our friends and family that have moved on to follow their dreams and wish them much success in all their future endeavors and perhaps one day we may even see a few of them return.
The IronPigs come up in conversation a lot when you’re around me. The conversation often goes something like this one I had last Friday:
Me: “I really like going to the IronPigs games.”
Guy: “Oh, yeah, me too; I have season tickets.”
Me: “Cool! I do too. What section are you in?”
Guy: “118; I have a 9-game plan. What plan do you have?”
Me: “72 games”
Guy: “Wow. That’s a lot of games. How many do you actually go to?”
Me: “It’s more and more all the time. With 80 games last year I probably got to 60 of them.”
Guy: “That’s a lot! How can you go to so many?”
Me: “Well, I find it relaxing…”
____________________________________
On Friday, February 13, 2004 I got a headache. How can I remember that? Well, because that same headache lasted until May 15 of that year. It never went away. I saw a slew of doctors and had a slew of tests. No relief. What happened on May 15, that made it go away? Well, it was the first day of my vacation…
…
…
For the past four weeks or so I’ve had the headache back. It’s not as bad or as constant as that first one was. Advil seems to help it. Also, whiskey. That’s how I got through that SteelHawks game the other day. I don’t have any vacations planned, and if I’m indeed stressed out to the point of constant headaches, then I probably need to chill. “Chillax,” as my son tells me. It reminded me of the above conversation and just why I go to so many baseball games every year. I decided to break it down further:
OK, so let me explain, starting with the smallest reasons:
6% Being Outside: It’s cool to hang out outdoors, you know? I’m in an office all day and inside all winter and I just want to get out. It’s not so cool in April (Sorry, it’s very cool. Perhaps too much so. Bring the sun, man!) or when it’s crazy hot sometimes, but it’s still a reason that I enjoy the park. I’ll still enjoy the new arena, but it won’t have quite the same appeal.
9% AAA Talent Level: Would I be so inclined to have season tickets if we traded teams with Lakewood? A little less. Like 9%. A lot of the other things would still be cool, but the overall quality of the game play is better, and I enjoy watching the talent one step from The Show. I could tell a difference with hockey, too, from ECHL Reading vs. AHL Wilkes-Barre last year. Also, when friends visit from Reading, they always say, “Wow, we can tell these guys are better.”
13% Phillies Connection: How would you feel if we got the AAA Brewers instead? Right. A little less. I’m not the biggest Phillies fan, either, but it is cool to have the home club just down the road in Philadelphia where we can go see our old friends like Domonic Brown continue on their careers–rather than watching via television. And, it’s cool for some of the local folk who love the Phillies to have that connection; it adds to the atmosphere even for someone like me who doesn’t live and die with the Phillies.
16% Beer: Don’t judge. It helps me relax. I did OK at the SteelHawks without it, but I would have been more relaxed with a nice cup of beer in my hand.
19% The People: Not just the friends, but also the ushers and parking guys and the nice lady at the concession and all that. It does keep me coming back, and it is more important than beer. By a little.
37% The Park: The beat writer from the Scranton newspaper wrote an article yesterday about the return of Minor League baseball to Northeastern Pennsylvania. In it he threw in the line, “PNC is arguably the nicest Minor League park in the country.”
Really? Really? It’s basically a copy of Coca Cola Park, with a smaller club level and no Tiki Bar and certainly no “Hot Corner” or seats on top of walls and less people and fewer suites and no dug-out suites and….
Well, you get the point. They have a nicer view and free parking. I bought tickets and I’ll go see for myself. But our park is a gem. I love going there. There’s a reason we’re the first to host both the AAA All-Star Game and the AAA National Championship. It’s not just the fan support (although that’s a part of it) or the organization (also a part), it’s the facility itself. We shouldn’t take it for granted.
___________________________
Now, if we can just get some nicer weather and some ball games, maybe I can get rid of this damn headache.
Created by Baseball America (love those folks) to put comparison to Hits, Runs and Home Runs per game at Minor League ball parks. It gives an interesting analysis on Minor League Parks in each league.
An excerpt:
To use the park factors, take a batter’s runs created per game or a pitcher’s runs allowed per game (or whatever your metrics of choice might be) and divide by his park factor. This will give you a crude a park-adjusted rate of production for any minor league player.
Read the full article here. (I highly recommend it for any baseball fan)
International League Rates Per Park, from highest Park Factor Rating to lowest:
Columbus
Buffalo
Durham
Rochester
Louisville
Gwinnett
Indianapolis
Syracuse
Charlotte
Norfolk
Toledo
Pawtucket
Lehigh Valley
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Good ole SWB bringing up the rear… but they do have a new park this season… We will see and hopefully Baseball America revisits this after a couple more seasons.
I suppose the point they are aiming at is to 1. Disprove/Confirm myths about a “Hitter’s Park” or “Pitcher’s League” and 2. To look at how hits, runs and home runs add excitement to the game for fans.
Lucky for us in the Lehigh Valley that we don’t depend on barnburner games for our excitement.
OFFICIAL IRONPIGS NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2013
IRONPIGS INTRODUCE NEW SUNDAY “RETRO” JERSEYS
(Allentown, PA) – The IronPigs will don a powder blue and burgundy retro mesh jersey during Sunday home games this season, paying homage to the Phillies’ tradition-rich teams of the 1970s and 1980s and marking the first significant uniform change since the IronPigs debuted in 2008. The new look replaces the previous Sunday top – a white, sleeveless jersey that wasaccompanied by a separate brick red athletic T-shirt underneath. The official Sunday Game Cap is unchanged and remains the only two-toned cap in the fleet, with a brick red crown and a furnace blue bill.
“This is an iconic color scheme and one that IronPigs fans and Phillies fans collectively adore,” remarked IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “We think our fans are going to squeal over this fresh new look!”
This pullover jersey features the primary IronPigs logo emblazed on the left chest to modernize the classic powder blue and burgundy look. Its mesh composition promotes breathability and provides additional comfort for players and fans alike.
Some of the great figures in Phillies history have worn the “powder blues”, including the likes of Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Tug McGraw and Larry Bowa. This color motif highlighted an era in which the Phillies went to the postseason in six of eight seasons beginning in 1976 and won their first World Championship in 1980.
The IronPigs are slated to wear the new pullover on ten occasions in 2013, including during the club’s first homestand of the year on Sunday, April 7, against the Syracuse Chiefs at Coca-Cola Park.
Pre-orders of the brand-new Sunday jersey replica by Majestic Athletic are now being accepted at the Majestic Clubhouse Store or online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com with an initial shipment scheduled by the end of next week (March 29).
Single-game tickets for the 2013 season presented by Capital BlueCross as well as the Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game are available now by visiting ironpigsbaseball.com, by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447) or at the Coca-Cola Park ticket window during normal business hours.
— pig out —
Jon Schaeffer Director, New Media
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Triple-A Affiliate, Philadelphia Phillies
I stopped by the park on my way to the office this morning to pick up my season ticket packages. There was no line, and I walked right up. This probably reinforces my supposition that I’m the only one champing at the bit to pick up my tickets.
No matter, though. The ticket staff was happy to see me and found my tickets quickly. Then it came time to load me up with swag. As in the past, the IronPigs have some gifts for the season ticket holders on pick-up. I’m not sure which level of season tickets you need to receive the gifts, but I don’t think it’s a secret either. In fact, if you don’t qualify, this could be the impetus to increase your ticket level for next year. Or, there could be different swag for different levels. At any rate, there was so much swag this year they couldn’t even fit it through the little window at the ticket counter. They had to walk it out to me.
The swag was contained in a nice bag labeled “Ticket Plan Holder:”
Hats:
They’re not fancy, but they are kind of nice. They are cotton/canvas and have a Velcro closure. They are made in China and have four stitch rows on the brim. They are blue and white, with the Sunday logo, and have “Season Ticket Holder” stitched on the side.
Glasses:
No, not that kind of glasses. They were labeled “pint glasses” on the dispense slip, but they’re more of a small highball glass–a bit smaller than a standard pint beer glass, with a heavy base. They’re etched with “Iron Pigs Lehigh Valley Est 2008.” Perfect for a rum and Coke:
IronClipper Rewards Booklet:
These are small coupon books that are usually given out to the plan holders and group leaders. They contain coupons from the major game and stadium sponsors–of various levels of usefulness. New this year are coupons for concessions. Nice. But also noted are some limits on some of the coupons for which month they can be used. Read your coupons carefully and take advantage of them if you can.
Details with the tickets:
Once again, the ticket holders are invited to an “Appreciation Night” on Tuesday, July 16 for the showing of the All Star Game. We’ve talked about this before, and it’s a nice time–even better last year when we were able to throw the ball on the field. Also noted with the tickets is that in-seat service via the bypass lane app will be available again this year in the Club Level.
Unless I’m missing it, there is no information about batting practice viewing for this year. We never get those dates right away anyway, so could be they are yet to come. Or, could be they’ve discontinued it. We shall see, and I’ll post here when I find out as some folks didn’t receive them last year.
__________
Finally, here’s another view: If frequent comment contributor Lefty33 is still around, I’d expect he’d probably agree with this–and I can’t say I totally disagree either:
While I feel appreciated when I receive this swag, there is another thing they could do: a discount. How about $1.00: $1.00 per seat times 72 games times 4 seats equals $288.00. You can buy a lot of hats and drinking glasses for $288. Or, maybe a discount on advertising for those of us who own businesses? Nope, they don’t do that either.
What do other organizations do? Over the weekend I was perusing the web site for Autozone Park, home of the AAA Memphis Redbirds, affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. I was drawn to it as it was referred to as the “Taj Mahal” of minor league baseball. It’s not. But, I noticed that Club Level tickets are $20.00 in advance, or $23.00 on game day. This is much more than the $15 the IronPigs charge. BUT, purchase a full season plan in the Autozone Club Level and pay only $950/seat. That’s $13.19/game–less than the $14 I pay having locked in my seat price with a multi-year extension.
So I ask you, should the IronPigs do that? Raise single-game and same-day ticket prices while providing a healthy discount for season ticket holders? I’m not sure, myself. I think we should watch and find out how much difficulty they have selling those $20 Hot Corner tickets this year for our answer. Probably, the poor press they’d receive for raising ticket prices to Memphis-level would out-weigh any benefit from the season ticket holders. And, to think of it this way, since we support this team so well here in the Lehigh Valley, it’s like a subscription: We purchase so many tickets that it allows the everyday price to remain low. Just my thoughts. What are yours?
Several folks have asked me in the past week or two if there will be a “Route 222 Challenge” or “222 Showcase” game this year with Reading. Indeed there will be; it is on the magnet schedule from last year and everything–but it was made official today by the IronPigs.
It will be hosted by the IronPigs this year, at 6:35PM on Tuesday April 2. Tickets are available now for $6.00. All seating for the game is General Admission, with only the lower bowl open. I do believe suite holders have access to their suites as well, but club level amenities are limited. If it is consistent with the past, all ticket proceeds will benefit either IronPigs Charities or another charity. Concessions will be open, but may be somewhat limited compared with a regular season game (some of the carts and sands may not be running, but main concessions will.) In the past, full season ticket holders received tickets complimentary. Indeed mine have been loaded into my account already. I believe I will need to have the tickets printed when I pick up my ticket cards, as they are listed as “in will call” instead of “card created” on my account.
A bunch of us from the NoiseNation made the trip to Reading last year for the game. The weather was nice and the attendance was good. In the past, turn out at Coca Cola Park for this game has been lacking. Granted, the weather has been poor, but I’d really like to see us, as a fan base, support this game better. It is an excellent opportunity to preview our team, as well as get a sneak peak at some of the talented prospects who will be in Reading this season. Rosters have not been set, yet, of course. But, I expect that many of the players we see on Tuesday April 2 in Reading Phillies uniforms will turn up in IronPigs–or even Philadelphia–uniforms before the end of the 2013 baseball season.
Why to they play this game? Well, it’s a nice dress rehearsal for the staff and crew of the stadium. It’s also a nice chance for the players to adapt to playing under the lights–and in the cold–compared with the mid-day sun of Florida spring training games. Plus, it raises a little money for charity along the way. All in all, I love it and I’m glad they do it. I love getting a look at the Reading players, but I wouldn’t mind another Phillies exhibition again one of these years. Perhaps they’ll consider it for the 10th anniversary?
A more official season ticket announcement was made this morning as well, clear confusion about the pick up schedule. As I said previously, Full, 36-game, and 18-game packages will be available Monday March 11. 9-game packs will be available ThursdayMarch 14. This clearing up the confusion stemming from an email dated February 22, which stated that season ticket packages would be available March 5, and a tweet from yesterday which stated that the 9-game plans would be available March 12. I know, I know. It’s probably just me. I’m like a kid at Christmas. I know many folks who won’t bother picking them up until opening night.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 