Greeneville Astros Introduce New Fan-Friendly Initiatives

June 17, 2012 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Greeneville Astros News Release


Greeneville, TN - The Greeneville Astros along with Sodexo Food Services have announced several new, fan-friendly initiatives, including no increases in ticket or concession prices, new ticket and concession options and a revised policy on bringing food and beverages into Pioneer Park.

The Astros, now led by new Owner & Chairman Jim Crane, are following the lead of their parent club in Houston by making these changes.

"We are very interested in trying to accommodate our fans at all levels of our organizational ladder," said Crane. "Our fan base is our most important group of customers. We really need their support in order to move forward."

Greeneville Astros General Manager David Lane added, "These changes were all made with ours fans in mind. We want them to know that we appreciate all of their feedback and will do everything we can to make their ballpark experience at Greeneville Astros games the best it can be." Lane also said, "Baseball is an eating sport and we want to give our fans many quality and creative options that will add to their experience at our games."

New Food & Beverage Policy

Fans are now allowed to bring food and water into Pioneer Park for Astros games. Food must be transported in a clear, plastic bag no larger than one gallon in size, and water must be in a factory-sealed, plastic bottle, no larger than one liter. Fans will not be allowed to bring metal cans or glass bottles into Pioneer Park. One bottle of water and one bag per person is allowed. The Astros new policy mirrors that of the Houston Astros.

Concession Prices & New Menu Options

The Astros and Sodexo will not increase prices on concession items this season. Furthermore, the Astros and Sodexo will be adding some food options including a variety of new signature items such as the Astro Dog and the Grill-ogna sandwich. On the seven firework nights this season, fans will also have the option to purchase the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich at Pioneer Park, the only location in Greeneville where it will be available.

The Astros will also be adding a new location for cool treats on hot summer nights. A new ice cream stand will be added down the third base line near the Kidz Zone. The stand will feature a variety of items including novelty ice cream, candy, 20 ounce smoothies and Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade.

Ticket Prices & New Options

The Astros have been one of the lower-cost forms of entertainment in the area, and will remain that way with no price increase on any ticket options.

Individual tickets are staying at $7 for reserved seats and $6 for adults in general admission. Senior and youth general admission tickets will remain $5.

Meanwhile, season tickets for all 34 home games have remained at $175 since the Astros' inaugural season in 2004. The same is true for half-season tickets, which will stay at $100.

As a new addition, however, the Astros have introduced a firework mini-plan ticket option. This 7-game mini-plan features every game that is followed by a fireworks show for only $42. It includes opening night on June 25th, July 4th and the season finale on August 28th along with Fridays June 29th, July 13th, August 3rd and August 17th. The plan offers fans a savings of 14% off regular prices for reserved seats.

The 7-Game Firework Mini-Plan includes a reserved seat of your choice for all seven home games, an option to purchase seats for the playoffs, first right of renewal of your seats next season and invitations to special events such as the annual team Meet-and-Greet before the season.

Value Ticket Options Return

The Astros will also continue to offer several of the popular ticket specials that have been available in recent years in an effort to make Astros games affordable to all fans.

Group Tickets

With the Astros Group Tickets, businesses, schools, churches or social groups of 20 or more can purchase discounted tickets for $3 per person.

Picnic Packages

For $20 per person, this deal for groups of 20 or more includes a game ticket and different all-you-can-eat buffet food options.

Walmart Field of Dreams

This package, for $100, offers baseball and softball teams 20 tickets for players and coaches, pre-game autograph opportunities on the field, PA introduction for each team member and the opportunity to run out with the Astros starting lineup for the singing of the national anthem.

Peggy Ann's Bakery Birthday Blast

This offer to celebrate a birthday with the Greeneville Astros includes a general admission ticket, a food voucher, a personalized birthday cake, a present from the Astros, a birthday greeting over the PA system and a birthday parade on the field with the mascots during the game. The package is $10 per child with a 10 person minimum.

The Astros strive to offer a fun, fan-friendly experience at each and every home game while also providing a competitive team on the field. While these initiatives will help to improve the fan experience, the Astros know fielding a strong team is equally important.

"Fans come to Pioneer Park to have a great baseball experience. Putting a winning product on the field is a key element of that, but not the only one," said new Houston Astros General Manger Jeff Luhnow. "I hope fans come and enjoy the family atmosphere, while getting to watch the players as their team improves."

The Greeneville Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. The 2012 home opener at Pioneer Park begins at 7:00pm on June 25th as the Astros take on the Princeton Rays. Season ticket packages and single game tickets are now available at the Astros office at Pioneer Park located on the campus of Tusculum College. For more information on the Astros, visit www.greenevilleastros.com or call (423) 638-0411.



Appalachian League Stories from June 17, 2012


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