17 New Things in 2017
April 12, 2017 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - With Opening Weekend right around the corner, the Daytona Tortugas wanted to highlight just some of the new things you will see on and off the field in 2017.
#1 - One Big Surprise on Opening Night: Opening Weekend kicks off with Opening Night on Thursday, April 13th. The Tortugas will literally be rolling out the red carpet for the night's festivities, which includes live music before the game, a magnet schedule giveaway as fans walk through the gates for the first time, and national entertainment act Fur Circus. However, there is still one big surprise left for the night that fans will have to be in attendance to see.
#2 - Reserved Grandstand Seating: The first base grandstand, located under the overhang, will now serve as reserved seating for 2017. General Admission will now be the bleacher seating in the third base grandstand. VIP seating remains the same. The Reserved Grandstand will also welcome in new fans during the 2017 season to help cool down Jackie Robinson Ballpark throughout the summer.
#3 - Jackie Robinson Mural: Stop by Jackie's Dugout on the Riverwalk and take a picture of yourself hanging in the painted dugout. Then post it to social media with the hashtag #JackiesDugout. The mural was done by Erica Group, of DeLand Wings fame - the most photographed landmark in town. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for Jackie's Dugout at 6:15 PM Thursday night.
#4 - Season of the Fan: 2017 features 25+ giveaways, 12 specialty jerseys, 16 firework shows and our first ever bobblehead giveaway. It will be a year unlike any other at The Jack.
#5 - New Kids Zone: The Jack welcomed in a new Kids Zone that, for the first time, will feature inflatables as well as speed pitch and more. Those who join Tiny Tugas will have the chance to earn an unlimited Kids Zone pass for certain games during the season.
#6 - Six Top 25 Prospects: The Tortugas field some of the best talent in the Reds system. The opening roster includes six of the top 25 prospects. That includes the top prospect overall and the third best pitching prospect, Vladimir Gutierrez, in their starting rotation.
#7 - Paint The Town Green: Daytona is painting the town green as part of fans nine inning vacation at The Jack. Fans will notice new colors throughout The Jack, highlighted by paradise green, as well beach themed signs that will give fans the feeling of a tropical island at the ballpark.
#8 - Wins-Days: Daytona has always had the best home field advantage in baseball. Now, we're giving back to the fans as a thank you. The Tortugas are guaranteeing a win for every Wednesday home game. If, some how, they don't win - each fan in attendance will leave with a free ticket to a future game.
#9 - Jackie Robinson Night: The Tortugas will honor their stadium's namesake, Jackie Robinson, during Jackie Robinson Night on April 15th. The Tortugas will be the first, and only, team in baseball to wear #9 jerseys - the number Jackie wore when he played in Daytona in 1946, a year before his MLB debut. Additionally, the night will feature George Bates as honorary bat boy and Albert Bethune. Bates was the bat boy and Bethune was a ticket taker during the 1946 games Jackie played in.
#10 - Tortugas Care Charity Foundation: The Tortugas have launched their first Charity Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to enrich the lives of youth in the community through recreational opportunities, as well as contributing to sea turtle conservation efforts.
#11 - Revamped On-Field Entertainment: The Tortugas won't be the only talent on the field this season. Tuga fans will enjoy new family fun entertainment on the field during inning breaks all season long. This includes things never done at The Jack before, such as baby races, a kiss cam and more! New On-Field Host James Wood brings NHL experience to The Jack.
#12 - Best Dressed Team in Baseball: Daytona will wear a different specialty jersey for every Friday home game, amongst other dates. Some highlights include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Guy Harvey and Sager Strong. Each jersey will be auctioned off for charity afterwards.
#13 - Nick Senzel: The top prospect in the Reds system begins the year with Daytona. The third baseman is also ranked as the ninth best prospect in all of baseball. During the opening road trip, Senzel is already batting over .300.
#14 - Autograph Alley: Two Tortugas players will be located at autograph alley prior to every night home games. Signing will begin when gates open and last 30 minutes. Autograph Alley is located next to Daytona's clubhouse and will feature two different players each night.
#15 - Easter Sunday Extravaganza: Easter Sunday at The Jack begins with a pregame brunch at 11:30 AM. The holiday then includes the lone 1:05 PM game start of the home schedule and is capped off with the biggest Easter egg hunt in Volusia County. Following the game, there will be a helicopter candy drop on the field for all the young Tortugas fans in attendance.
#16 - Bob Ross Bobblehead: The Tortugas are excited to debut the top bobblehead in Minor League Baseball. They'll be honoring the former Daytona native, Bob Ross, by handing out his bobblehead on Saturday, July 15th. The night will also feature postgame fireworks.
#17 - President Ryan Keur: The Tortugas welcomed in a new team President during the offseason, Ryan Keur. Keur brings with him a new vision to Tuga Nation and the ambition of turning Daytona into the top organization in the Florida State League in 2017. Keur comes from the Burlington Royals, where he was named the Appalachian League Executive of the year in each of the past three seasons. The Royals were also awarded the Appalachian League Promotional Award of Excellence in both 2015 and 2016.
It all begins with Opening Weekend, which kicks of Thursday, April 13th, at The Jack. The weekend continues with Super Hero Night on Friday and Jackie Robinson Night on Saturday. Both nights will feature specialty jerseys for the Tortugas that will be auctioned off for charity. The weekend wraps up with the Easter holiday, which will include a pregame brunch, afternoon baseball and the postgame helicopter candy drop on the field. You can get your tickets now at daytonatortugas.com or by calling (386) 257-3172.
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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.
