CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pelicans 2008 Home Opener Is This Friday April 11th

Published on April 7, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Following a week-long season-opening road trip, the Pelicans will return to Myrtle Beach for the first homestand of the year against the defending Carolina League champion Frederick Keys (April 11-13) and the Winston-Salem Warthogs (April 14-16) at BB&T Coastal Field. Highlighting the first homestand are two fireworks extravaganzas (April 11 & 12), a Pelicans Replica Bat Giveaway (April 13), an appearance by Dora the Explorer (April 15) and School Kids Day (April 16th).

The Pelicans have a jam-packed lineup of excitement for all-ages scheduled during the home opener on Friday, April 11th. The electricity inside BB&T Coastal Field will be high even before the first pitch is thrown. National recording artists, The Bellamy Brothers, will sing the national anthem.

The Bellamy Brothers are known for nationally renowned hits such as: "Let Your Love Flow", "Santa Fe" and "Redneck Girl". Most recently, The Bellamy Brothers were nominated for two Dove Awards, in the categories of Country Album and Country Recorded Song. Further, former Coastal Carolina All-American golfer and current PGA Tour member, Dustin Johnson, is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Johnson, who graduated from CCU in 2007, earned Big South Player of the Year honors during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Both The Bellamy Brothers and Dustin Johnson will be available for photographs and autographs prior to and during the game. Additionally, Dinger "The Home Run Dog" and the newest Pelicans yellow Labrador Deuce, will make a special surprise grand entrance to signify the new season.

The first 5,000 fans to storm through the gates for the home opener will receive a free 2008 Pelicans schedule magnet presented by BB&T. The schedule magnet is a perfect way to keep tabs on the 2008 Pelicans. To cap off the night, the Pelicans will blast-off the first of nineteen fireworks shows at BB&T Coastal Field.

"The home opening series is really going to set the tone for all the fun and excitement that fans will experience throughout the 2008 season," said Pelicans' General Manager North Johnson. "Having the Bellamy Brothers, Dustin Johnson, two fireworks shows, a replica bat giveaway and an appearance by Dora the Explorer should make for an outstanding opening week for our great fans."

Mascot Mania will be in full effect for game two of the series at BB&T Coastal Field. Splash has invited his favorite mascot friends to help him celebrate his 10th birthday. The Pelicans along with BB&T will once again present Pelicans 2008 magnet schedules to the first 5,000 fans through the ballpark gates. Saturday is also the first chance for locals to take advantage of Local's Night at BB&T Coastal Field. Simply show a local ID and receive a ticket to the game for just five dollars. Following the game, the Pelicans will light up the Grand Strand with another fantastic fireworks display.

The series finale will be contested on April 13th, with a special start time of 3:05 p.m. The first 2,000 fans 14 & under will receive a free full-sized Pelicans replica wood bat. Sunday is also Autism Advocate Foundation Awareness Day at the ballpark. Prior to the game, families are encouraged to play catch on the same field as the Pelicans from 2:15-2:35 p.m. New in 2008, Pelicans fans will be welcomed to play catch on the field every Sunday for 20 minutes.

On Monday, April 14th, the Pelicans welcome in the Winston-Salem Warthogs. Each Monday throughout the season, the Pelicans will hold the Hard Rock Park Guitar Hero Tournament at BB&T Coastal Field. Fans will be able to test their Guitar Hero skills throughout the course of the game. Multiple game systems will be set up to accommodate the large crowds.

On April 15th, popular Nickelodeon star Dora the Explorer will be making an appearance at BB&T Coastal Field. Dora the Explorer will be available for photos throughout the entire ballgame.

The homestand concludes on Wednesday, April 16th with Pelicans School Kids Day. Be mindful of the special start time of 10:35 a.m. There will be a plethora of activities set up that cater to school-aged children. Schools and day cares interested in attending the game as a group are strongly encouraged to contact the Pelicans ahead of time at (843)-918-6000.

Pelicans Home Opening Week Schedule:

Friday, April 11th (Frederick - 7:05): BB&T presents the 2008 Pelicans Magnet Schedule Giveaway to the first 5,000 fans of all ages, The Bellamy Brothers sing the National Anthem, PGA Tour professional Dustin Johnson throws out the ceremonial first pitch, Deuce makes his first public appearance and the Pelicans hold a post-game fireworks extravaganza

Saturday, April 12th (Frederick - 7:05 PM): BB&T presents the 2008 Pelicans Magnet Schedule Giveaway to the first 5,000 fans of all ages, Pelicans Mascot Mania with Splash and friends and the Pelicans hold a post-game fireworks extravaganza

Sunday, April 13th (Frederick - 3:05 PM): Pelicans Replica Bat Giveaway to the first 2,000 fans 14 and under, Catch on the field from 2:15-2:35 PM and Autism Advocate Foundation Awareness Day

Monday, April 14th (Winston-Salem - 7:05 PM): Hard Rock Park Guitar Hero Tournament (Round One)

Tuesday, April 15th (Winston-Salem - 7:05 PM): Dora the Explorer Appearance at the ballpark

Wednesday, April 16th (Winston-Salem - 10:35 AM): Pelicans School Kid's Day featuring activity books and a morning start time

As with every Pelicans game, Splash and Dinger "The Home Run Dog" will be running around BB&T Coastal Field interacting with all Pelicans fans. In 2008, the two rock-star mascots will be joined by Dinger's younger brother Deuce. The yellow Labrador Retriever puppy will be incorporated into the Pelicans on-field promotional effort throughout the season.

During the homestand, the Pelicans Pro Shop will unveil brand-new 2008 Pelicans gear, which includes the official merchandise of the 2008 California vs. Carolina League All-Star Game. The fresh new style and look will feature a wealth of new hats, shirts, collectables and more.

In 2008, gates will open an hour and forty-five minutes prior to the scheduled start time for season- ticket holders. Gates will open an hour and thirty minutes prior to the scheduled start time for the general public. For the home opener, season ticket holders will be able to enter at 5:15 p.m., with the general public gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

For tickets to the home opener on Friday, April 11th at 7:05 p.m. against the Frederick Keys and the entire slate of 70 home games please call (843)-918-6000 or (877)-918-TIXX. Individual game tickets, along with tickets to the 2008 California-Carolina League All-Star Game are on sale now. Season tickets, mini-plans, flex books and a variety of group outings are also currently available. For more information please contact the Pelicans ticket department at (843) 918-6000 or toll-free at (877) 918-TIXX, log on to MyrtleBeachPelicans.com or visit the Pelicans box office at BB&T Coastal Field.

Check out the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Carolina League Stories from April 7, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central