Drillers Open Season Thursday
April 4, 2011 - Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
The Tulsa Drillers will open the 2011 regular season by hosting Corpus Christi on Thursday, April 7 at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa. (Rich Crimi)
The Tulsa Drillers will officially begin their second season at ONEOK Field with the opening game of the 2011 regular season on Thursday, April 7. The Drillers will host the Corpus Christi Hooks with first pitch slated for 7:05PM.
Individual tickets for the game are still available at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office (201 N. Elgin Avenue), at TulsaDrillers.com or by calling (918)744-5901.
The opener will mark the start of a six-game homestand to begin the season for the Drillers. Tulsa will host Corpus Christi (Houston Astros) for three games April 7-9, followed by another three game set with the San Antonio Missions (San Diego Padres) April 10-12.
The first three games of the stand will begin at 7:05PM. The game on Sunday, April 10 will start at 2:05PM, while the game on Monday, April 11 will have an early start of 10:05AM. The finale on Tuesday, April 12 will begin at 7:05PM.
This year's opener is a rematch of the very first game played at ONEOK Field when the Drillers were blanked by the Hooks 7-0.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME': The Drillers have lost their last two home openers and five of their past eight openers dating back to 2003.
ON THE MOUND: Juan Nicasio is expected to be Tulsa's opening night starting pitcher. The right-hander led the California League in wins and strikeouts last season and is rated by Baseball America as the eighth best prospect in the Colorado Rockies' minor league system.
Christian Friedrich, the starter in last year's opener, will take the mound in the second game. He is rated as the fourth best Colorado prospect by Baseball America. He recently threw six no-hit innings against the major league Rockies in an exhibition game at ONEOK Field.
WELCOME BACK: Following a strong season with the Drillers in 2009, third baseman Darin Holcomb missed all of last season with a back injury. Holcomb has recovered and will begin this year as Tulsa's everyday third baseman.
SPRING FUN: First baseman Ben Paulsen was one of the top performers for the Rockies during their spring training slate in Arizona, hitting .458 with 11 runs batted in during major league games. His strong play has continued during exhibition games in Tulsa. Paulsen homered against the Rockies on March 30 and then again versus the Triple A Oklahoma City RedHawks in an exhibition game on April 3.
BEDLAM RETURNS: ONEOK Field will host the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oklahoma Sooners in the annual Bedlam Game on Friday, April 16. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35PM.
SCHEDULE & PROMOTIONS (April 7-12)
Thursday, April 7 . . . . . . Corpus Christi Hooks (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
OPENING NIGHT!
The second season at ONEOK Field officially begins with the regular season opener! Fans will want to make plans to get to the park early, as the Drillers host the first ever "Elgin Street Experience!" Enjoy pre-game entertainment on Elgin Avenue, just outside the stadium gates, beginning at 5:15 as the "Full Flava Kings" perform on stage! Also, be sure to check out "918 Boom," Tulsa's best break dancers! In addition, kids can play on the Drillers Jupiter Jump for FREE until game time!
2011 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE MAGNET GIVEAWAY
The first 6,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a 2011 Promotional Schedule Magnet, compliments of Mazzio's and 97.5 KMOD.
MYSTERY PERFORMER APPEARANCE
A fan favorite from 2010 is back to entertain Drillers fans during the Game! Attend the game to find out who it is!
Friday, April 8 . . . . . . Corpus Christi Hooks (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS
It is guaranteed to be an explosive night as the popular Friday Night Fireworks promotion returns to ONEOK Field courtesy of Cox! Skies above the stadium will illuminate following the game.
Saturday, April 9 . . . . . . Corpus Christi Hooks (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
NEWSCHANNEL 8 GRAND SLAM SATURDAY / DRILLERS SNUGGLY GIVEAWAY
NewsChannel 8 presents Grand Slam Saturday! The first 1,500 fans, ages 5 and up, will receive a Drillers Snuggly, compliments of DIRECTV. These slip-on blankets are sure to be a hit with all fans!
Sunday, April 10 . . . . . . San Antonio Missions (2:05PM) - Gates Open at 12:15PM
TTCU THE CREDIT UNION FAMILY FUNDAY SUNDAY
TTCU The Credit Union presents Family FUNday Sunday with the first 500 kids, ages 12 and under, receiving a pack of Drillers Krazy Bandz. In addition, the first 500 kids, ages 12 and under, will also receive Kids Eat Free coupons that are redeemable for a free hot dog, milk and an ice cream dessert compliments of TTCU The Credit Union, Borden Dairy, 2 News Works For You and K95.5FM. Following the game, all kids can take to the field to run the bases.
KIDS BASEBALL SKILLS CAMP
Before the game, youth baseball and softball players will be allowed onto the field for a clinic with the Drillers players. The clinic will run from 12:30-1:30PM. Kids wishing to participate are encouraged to arrive at the stadium at 12:15PM.
UP WITH TREES GIVEAWAY
Following the game, The M.E.T. and Up With Trees will be handing out 1,000 saplings to fans. It's the perfect opportunity to "grow your own bat" at home!
Monday, April 11 . . . . . . San Antonio Missions (10:05AM) - Gates Open at 9:00AM
MORNING BASEBALL!
It's baseball in the A.M. as the Drillers and Missions get an early start with first pitch slated for 10:05AM.
Tuesday, April 12 . . . . . . San Antonio Missions (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
$2 TUESDAY
The ultimate night of discounts returns to ONEOK Field with $2 Tuesday presented by Pepsi, Frito Lay, and 2 News Works For You. General Admission tickets on the outfield lawn are only $2.00 each, while all other tickets are discounted $3.00 off normal prices. In addition, Driller Dogs, Mazzio's Pizza slices, Pepsi fountain drinks and jumbo soft pretzels will be on sale for only $2.00 each.
KRAFT SINGLES TUESDAY NIGHT TICKETS
Buy one, get one FREE from KRAFT Singles - THE American Cheese! Fans can present an outer wrapper from a package of KRAFT Singles at the ticket windows to receive a buy one ticket, receive one free deal from KRAFT Singles! Only one ticket discount can be used when purchasing tickets.
Texas League Stories from April 4, 2011
- Astros Announce Hooks Initial Roster - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Drillers Open Season Thursday - Tulsa Drillers
- Cricket Sponsors Neal McCoy, Tonic Shows - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs Announce 2011 Opening Day Roster - Arkansas Travelers
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