Bumper Cars and Carousels Come to Fifth Third Ballpark with Opening Week Carnival
March 2, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps attempt to create a carnival atmosphere at every baseball game but, this year, they're taking things a step further. The week of the team's season opener in April, an actual carnival, complete with a midway, games and food booths, will be set up in the Fifth Third Ballpark parking lot.
"This is a new adventure for us," said Whitecaps director of outside events Matt Costello. "We're looking forward to the giving fans a different experience than what they normally get when they come to Fifth Third Ballpark."
Playworld Unlimited will set up their traveling carnival in the Whitecaps parking lot starting Monday, April 3. The midway will include up to 18 rides for every age and thrill level. For the kids and kids at heart, rides will include the carousel and bumper cars. Those who are more daring can take their chances on rides like the Sizzler and Pharoah's Fury.
Rides won't be the only highlight of the carnival - there will be plenty of games and lots of carnival standard food including cotton candy and elephant ears. "It should be a great time for everyone, whether they're just stopping by the carnival on the way to a Whitecaps game or coming out here for the whole day," said Costello. "The Carnival takes the Whitecaps mantra of the best family fun to the next level."
The Carnival's gates will open on April 3 and will run though Sunday, April 9. The fun starts at 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 12:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The carnival will end at 10:00 p.m. every night. Thrill seekers will be able to purchase unlimited ride wristbands for $12 during the week and $15 on the weekend. In addition, the Whitecaps are offering fans a $3 unlimited ride wristband with the purchase of any Whitecaps ticket. The Whitecaps special offer is only good through April 1. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Fifth Third Ballpark Box Office at (616) 784-4131 or stop by during normal business hours (Mon - Fri 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sat 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.).
The Whitecaps kick off the 2006 season on Wednesday, April 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m with the Open Workout presented by Belle Tire. The event will feature free hot dogs and sodas, Whitecaps autographs and tours of the new luxury suite outdoor seating. The team's home opener is scheduled for Thursday, April 6 at 6:35 p.m. The game against the Fort Wayne Wizards will be followed by fireworks.
For more information on the carnival, visit the Whitecaps website, whitecapsbaseball.com.
Midwest League Stories from March 2, 2006
- Applebee's Kids Club Returns - Beloit Sky Carp
- Bumper Cars and Carousels Come to Fifth Third Ballpark with Opening Week Carnival - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Chiefs Tickets on Sale Saturday - Peoria Chiefs
- Former Detroit Tiger Skeeter Barnes Named New Manager - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
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