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Flying Squirrels Reveal What's New for 2011

March 30, 2011 - Eastern League (EL1) - Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A Affiliate of the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, held a press conference Wednesday afternoon at The Diamond to introduce a lineup of new characters, ballpark areas, food items and other elements for the 2011 season.

Highlighting the new characters at the ballpark was Parker the Rally Pig, introduced by Flying Squirrels' Vice President & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. Parker was the winning submission from among 5,925 votes received in the team's Pig Namin' Contest, run in conjunction with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The name Parker received 3,023 votes to be declared the winner. The adorable pig that eventually was named Parker had been chosen in a separate Pig Pickin' Contest, also held in partnership with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The Squirrels also recognized the winners of those two contests, Adrienne Robertson and Olivia Saunders. Robertson was the winner of the Pig Pickin' contest, while Saunders submitted the name Parker, ultimately chosen as the winning name.

The Squirrels also gave media members a tour of new ballpark areas and other upgrades made to existing facilities. Among the new and enhanced elements; The Cupid Section (located on 1st base side - featuring love seat-style seating for couples), two Party Decks (located behind home plate - featuring group outings for up to 24 fans per game), the ORC Birthday Zone (located in right field - featuring a completely redone birthday pavilion), Nutzyville presented by HCA (located on the 1st base side of The Diamond - featuring new inflatable games and attractions for kids of all ages), and the PFG Picnic Zone (located along the 3rd base line - rededication of ballpark group area).

"We have diligently worked through the off-season to enhance the overall experience for our great fans in 2011," said Parnell. "We are thrilled that we have now been able to introduce those aspects to folks and they can share in our excitement as we build toward opening night."

Other ballpark enhancements and additions that the Squirrels showcased Wednesday were; a new LED line scoreboard (left-center field) and a new Speed of Pitch Display (right-center field).

New concessions items and procedures were also highlighted. The Extreme Menu will debut in 2011, including the Giant Burger, Golden Gate Burger and Trolley Dog. The team also will implement a Tastes of the Eastern League program that will feature delicacies from the home city of the Eastern League opponent the Flying Squirrels are meeting in a particular series.

Staying on the cutting edge of fan entertainment, it was also announced that the Flying Squirrels will feature Bypass Lane in 2011. The new technology will allow fans to order concessions from their smartphones and skip lines when their food is ready for pickup (Please see separate release).

The press conference also included a broader conversation based upon the Squirrels' intent to continually reinvest in the ballpark and the entertainment and food options within.

Individual game tickets for the Flying Squirrels' 2011 season including Opening Day, April 7th, are on sale now. Season tickets and mini-plan packages are also available and can be purchased by calling (804) 359-FUNN (3866), visiting the Flying Squirrels Ticket Office at The Diamond or visiting SquirrelsBaseball.com.


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Eastern League Stories from March 30, 2011


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