MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Promo Lineup Unveiled for 10th Season of Loons Baseball

Published on February 13, 2016 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, Mich. - The Great Lakes Loons are excited to announce their 2016 promotional schedule. Elements that fans have come to expect at a Loons game are back, while some new and exciting events are planned.

The season begins on April 9 with the Opening Day Celebration, presented by Maple Hill Nursery. This year's festivities feature the Loons Pennant Race at 10 a.m., followed by the parade on Main Street beginning at 12 p.m. with performances from the Chicago Boyz. Following the parade, the Loons will play the Lansing Lugnuts at Dow Diamond at 2:05 p.m. with the first 5,000 fans receiving a Loons magnet schedule.

"We're excited to be offering such a packed schedule of promotions to our fans," Loons Vice President of Marketing & Entertainment Chris Mundhenk said. "Our goal is to offer not just a baseball game, but a truly unique entertainment experience packed with fun and value for our fans."

New for 2016 will be "Fridays at Five" in The Cove. The bar area down the third base line will feature live music and drink specials every Friday home game in June, July and August. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with the specials available until 7 p.m.

Beginning in June, the Loons will have a three-night "Gridiron Greats" series where current and former Lions players will visit the ballpark during a Loons game and be available to sign autographs for fans.

June 17: NFL Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney

July 8: Former wide receiver Herman Moore & offensive tackle Lomas Brown

July 22: Current running back Ameer Abdullah

The events are in conjunction with The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a non-stock, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization providing financial grants and 'pro bono' medical assistance to retired NFL players in dire need.

Returning in 2016 will be the Fireworks Loontaculars, powered by Dow Corning. Fans have the chance to enjoy a free fireworks show after the game. There are 13 firework displays scheduled for next season: May 21, June 4, June 18, July 2, July 9, July 22, July 23, July 30, August 5, August 12, August 13, August 24, and Sept. 3.

Wednesdays, excluding May 4, will be Hump Day Happy Hour at the ballpark. Fans ages 21 and up can purchase select domestic drafts for $2 from the time gates open till one hour after first pitch.

The ever-popular $1 Family Feast Night, presented by Chemical Bank, is back for every Thursday home game. On these 10 dates, fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, 16 oz. Pepsi products, chips and ice cream sandwiches throughout the game.

After a successful first year, Kids Eat Free Sundays presented by the Soaring Eagle Water Park and Hotel is back once again in 2016. All kids ages 5-12 will receive a food voucher good for a free kid's meal during all 11 Sunday home game throughout the season.

"With our $1 Family Feast Nights and Kids Eat Free Sundays, joined by our Hump Day Happy Hour and Fridays at Five, there's something for everyone," Mundhenk said. "With a series like the Gridiron Greats for 2016, it adds that extra element for fans."

Farm Bureau Insurance will present two Sunday Pre-Game Youth Baseball Clinics (June 5 and June 19) featuring baseball instruction from Loons players. Each child attending the clinic will receive a free baseball courtesy of Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau also returns as the presenting sponsor of Kids Run the Bases, which will follow every Sunday home game, and Winning Wednesdays on June 28, July 20, August 3 and August 24.

School Kids Days presented by Mid-Michigan Health at Dow Diamond will happen on three separate occasions in 2016: May 4, May 19 and May 23. Local schools are encouraged to bring groups of students to the ballpark with first pitch at 10:35 a.m.

Fellowship Nights are set for June 30, July 9, July 24 and August 4 this season. Groups participating have the opportunity to get in to the game early that night for various activities.

Giveaways will be offered to fans on four separate occasions during the upcoming season: Magnet Schedule (April 9), Poster Schedule (April 22-24), Team Photo (June 27), Winter Hat (September 4).

Social Media Night returns for every Monday home game, allowing fans to directly interact with the Loons through multiple social media platforms. Fans not currently engaging with the Loons via social media can "like" the team on Facebook, or "follow" the team (@greatlakesloons) on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Every Tuesday home game will be a Dodgers Route of Champions Night presented by the Loons flagship radio station ESPN 100.9-FM. The Dodger-themed promotional series will highlight former Loons players, and the storied history of the Dodgers organization through in-game content, on-field contests, and more.

Many other theme nights mark the promo calendar this summer, including Skip Work Day (April 13), Salute to the Stage (May 6), Halloween Night (May 7), Harry Potter Night (May 20), Throwback Weekend (June 2-4), People's Choice (June 16), Polish Heritage Night (June 18), Minion Night (July 1), Backyard Family Olympics (July 3), Family Campout Night (July 8), Princess Night (July 9), Star Wars Night (July 30), Dueling Pianos (August 11-12) and Super Hero Night (August 13).

To go along with the many theme nights this season, some special guests will be making appearances at the ballpark, including: Amazing Christopher (June 2), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (June 4), Xpogo Stunt Team (June 17-18), K-9 Crew (June 28), Minions (July 1), Chicago Boyz (July 23), Hulk/Iron Man (August 13) and Zooperstars (August 25).

A full listing of the 2016 promotional schedule can also be found by visiting Loons.com and clicking on the tickets and promotions listing. Individual game tickets for the 2016 season go on sale March 1, and can be purchased at Loons.com, in person at the Dow Diamond box office, or by phone at 989-837-BALL.

The Great Lakes Loons have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007 and are entering their 10th season in 2016. For tickets and more information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from February 13, 2016


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