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MWL1 Dayton Dragons

What's Hot with the Dayton Dragons in 2018

April 2, 2018 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Fifth Third Field, home of the Dayton Dragons
Fifth Third Field, home of the Dayton Dragons
(Dayton Dragons)

Dayton, OH - The 2018 season at Fifth Third Field, the 19th year in Dragons history, will bring many exciting and new elements to the ballpark, as well as the return of long-time favorites. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem, the Green Team, and team characters Roofman, Wink, and ATMO are all back for the 2018 season as the Dragons continue their focus on great professional baseball, affordable family fun, unsurpassed customer service, and community involvement.

Opening Night

Opening Night is Saturday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. Skydivers from Team Fastrax will land on the playing field to signify the beginning of another year of Dragons baseball. The National Anthem will be performed by Dayton singer Yolanda Drake, winner of the Dayton Daily News national anthem contest. There will also be performances from the Retirement Village People, the Shakertown Stompers, and the Dragons Drumline.

The Dragons entertainment department will usher in a brand new selection of contests, skits, and videos that will entertain the whole family. The Green Team will continue to be a big part of Dragons baseball in 2018.

New at Fifth Third Field in 2018

Expansion of Hometown Heroes Program at Fifth Third Field

Five times during the season, we will conduct a special spotlight on our local service men and women - past and present-to honor a veteran and tell their story, welcome them home, or help celebrate a missed milestone such as a birthday or anniversary. For each of the Dragons 70 home games, we will host a family of a deployed Airman from the Dayton community for a behind-the-scenes tour. And August 18 is American Celebration Night with American-themed activities that focus on the local military tradition, from pre-game activities to the moment when fans leave Fifth Third Field. It will include a special military National Anthem performed by base individuals, an honor guard, and Air Force swearing-in ceremonies on the field during a break in the game. The Hometown Heroes program is made possible by the generous support of the Dayton Development Coalition, Leidos, and the Dayton Dragons.

Expanded Wendy's Friends and Family Program

Wendy's Friends & Family "Dinner and a Show" Days and Nights at Fifth Third Field provide the best deal in town. Get a Dragons ticket, Wendy's meal voucher, and Dragons hat, a value of over $30. Cost of the package is just $16 for stadium seats, or $12 for lawn tickets. New this season: Each Friends and Family day or night corresponds to a date when a national entertainment act will perform at the Dragons game. Additionally, kids run the bases after every Friends and Family game.

Friends and Family dates are:

Sunday, April 8, 2pm (Team Zoom Canine Entertainment)

Friday, April 27, 7pm (Russian Bar Trio)

Saturday, May 12, 7pm (Jesse White Tumblers)

Friday, May 18, 7pm (Xpogo)

Saturday, June 9, 7pm (BirdZerk!)

Sunday, June 10, 7pm (ZOOperstars)

Thursday, July 12, 7pm (Team Zoom Canine Entertainment)

Friday, August 24, 7pm (Jesse White Tumblers)

Thursday, August 30, 7pm (Team Zoom Canine Entertainment)

New Dessert Stand; Dessert Cart; Improved Point-of-Sale at Concessions Stands

Fifth Third Field will feature a new Dessert Stand in 2018. The stand will include Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Brownies with Ice Cream; Walking Apple Pies; Frozen Chocolate Bananas; Magnum Caramel Bars; M&M Ice Cream Sandwiches, Fruit Chills, and Cotton Candy. The suite level at Fifth Third Field will feature a Dessert Cart. It will include assorted cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, dessert bars, candies, chocolate covered pretzels, candy apples, and Cake Pops. Concession stands throughout Fifth Third Field will feature new point-of-sale technology for an improved fan experience.

Improvements to AZEK Dragons Lair

On the heels of a successful new concept in 2017, the AZEK Dragons Lair features additional improvements in 2018. We have added 20 umbrellas to the tables in the Lair and also added two television monitors featuring the Dragons in-game video feed. The Lair features an all-inclusive ticket that includes a ballpark buffet and souvenirs. A buffet featuring grilled hamburgers, all beef hot dogs, smoked pulled chicken, smoked pulled pork, mac and cheese, southern-style baked beans, watermelon, fresh-baked cookies, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. A cash beer and wine bar can be added. Everyone in the group also receives a Dragons hat and Dragons t-shirt. Dragons VIP services staff will be there to serve and wait on guests while they enjoy the game.

Renovation of Center Field Party Deck

The Dragons have teamed up with AZEK Building Products to bring a new look to the popular center field party deck for the 2018 baseball season. An AZEK Paver system will be installed as a new flooring surface for the deck. AZEK Pavers are made of up to 95% post-consumer recycled materials, with the added strength of a composite and a natural appearance that resists scratches and stains. They are lightweight, colorful, and durable.

New Concourse Player Banners & Heritage Signs Showcase Dragons History

Many of the stars who have been part of the Dragons 18-year history are displayed with 20 new banners on the main concourse at Fifth Third Field. Banners highlighting the exploits of players like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and Adam Dunn have been added. Additionally, eight new Heritage Signs are also new on the concourse, telling the story of the Dragons tradition.

Upgrades to Control Room for Improved TV Broadcasts and Video Board

New equipment from ChyronHego Graphics Solutions has been added to enhance the fan experience, similar to what is used by the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. The new system will allow the Dragons to deliver video clips, display player information, live Internet feeds, and much more. The Dragons have added more than 100 exclusive capabilities to their in-game production for video, audio, data linking, graphics, special effects, and live-streaming.

Special Game Jerseys for Cancer Awareness Day

On Friday, June 8, the Dragons are partnering with the American Cancer Society and Kettering Health Network to support cancer awareness and to raise funds for cancer research. The Dragons will wear a special cancer awareness jersey that will be auctioned off after the game. Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Individuals who have battled cancer will be recognized throughout the game in the ballpark and on Dragons radio.

New Teacher's Award through Dragons MVP Program

The new "Top Teacher" award, sponsored by Wright State University, will become part of the Dragons MVP Program for 2018. Three teachers who participated in the MVP Program will be selected, and they will be honored during a special inning break of a Dragons game for their accomplishments in their classroom and community. "Top Teacher" honorees will be recognized in the Play Ball game program, Dayton Daily News, radio commercials, and social media posts.

First Half of Two-Year Project to Improve Fan Experience on Concourse Level

The Dragons have started a two-year project to improve the fan experience on the Fifth Third Field Concourse level by installing new sinks in restrooms. This renovation process will be completed in 2019.

New Team Bus

In partnership with Buckeye Charters, the Dragons will travel throughout the Midwest in a new 2018 model bus this season. The exterior of the bus will feature a special new design with Dragons team colors and logo. The Dragons will travel by bus to 11 Midwest League cities in 2018, from Appleton, Wisconsin to the northwest; Midland, Michigan to the north; Eastlake, Ohio to the east; and Bowling Green, Kentucky to the south. The team will spend approximately 160 hours on the bus over the summer and travel over 10,000 miles as part of their 140-game schedule. Buckeye Charters has been the only bus company utilized by the Dragons in their 19 years of existence.

Renovation of Training/Work-Out/Weight Room for Dragons Players

The player's work-out room on the lower level at Fifth Third Field has been renovated for 2018. The weight-training area that is utilized by all Dragons players and coaches features new performance rubberized flooring with freshly-designed and repainted walls including a Cincinnati Reds logo.

More Dragons Info for 2018

Dragons Telecasts on Dayton's CW

Dayton's CW (WBDT-TV) and the Dragons will broadcast 25 Dragons home games during the 2018 season from Fifth Third Field. Baseball Night in Dayton begins with the Dragons home opener on Saturday, April 7th. All games will be broadcast live and in high definition on the following outlets, reaching approximately 500,000 households and over 1.2 million potential viewers in a 10-county area.

Over the air Channel 26.1

Spectrum Channels 13 and 1013

DIRECTV and DISH Network Channel 26

Dragons Director of Broadcasting Tom Nichols will handle the play-by-play on all telecasts. WDTN-TV Sports Director Jack Pohl will provide color commentary on Saturday and Sunday telecasts, while WDTN-TV weekend sports anchor Hutch Konerman will work the Friday telecasts. The broadcasts will feature state-of-the-art high definition production quality with seven camera positions, slow-motion replays, player interview clips and the Dragons award-winning information graphics package.

Dragons in the Community

Dragons MVP Program

The Dragons elementary school MVP Program includes 1,116 fourth and fifth grade classrooms in 183 schools over 48 school districts. About 34,000 children participate. The program is in its 13th year in 2018. The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans Farms is also made possible by the generous support of CollegeAdvantage, Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton's CW. The program is completely free of charge to the schools.

How does the Dragons School MVP Program work? The teacher in each of the classrooms over a five-county area (Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren) selects five MVP's based on the teacher's judgment of performance, effort, citizenship, and improvement. The five MVPs selected by their teacher in each classroom receive four tickets to a Dragons game, tickets to a special Field Day event at the stadium during the season, an MVP certificate and a Dragons MVP hat. Dragons players and mascots visit selected classrooms over the course of the season. Additionally, 16 Dragons games during the season are designated as "MVP Game Nights." On those nights, one MVP gets to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to the game, another does an on-air interview during the Dragons game broadcast on Fox Sports 980, and another participates in an entertainment skit during the Dragons game.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Run for Life

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dragons team up to provide kids battling serious medical conditions with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities during Dragons games. Each honoree takes an honorary home run "lap" around the bases of Fifth Third Field during a game, then receives a certificate making them an honorary Dragons for the day from Dragons manager Luis Bolivar and an engraved wooden bat from Anthem. Dates are April 18, May 30, June 27, July 11, and July 25.

Hometown Heroes Nights

Five times during the 2018 baseball season, the Dragons will pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition and Leidos. There will be four special spotlights (April 11, May 8, June 24, and July 15) that will each highlight a different aspect or organization involved in the military. The season-long celebration will wrap up with a Celebration Night on August 18.

Vectren Community All-Stars

The Dragons partner with Vectren on the Community All-Stars Program, honoring individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. From fire fighters to first responders to volunteers and good Samaritans, the Dragons will honor five. These honorees will appear on the field during a game with a tribute video telling their story. Dates are May 8, June 25, July 30, August 16, and August 27.

Yoga in the Outfield

The fourth annual "Yoga in the Outfield", presented by The Winery at Versailles, will be held on Thursday, August 9th at Fifth Third Field. Participants will take part in a light-hearted yoga class suitable for all levels and ages, led by Ignite Yoga.

Family and Community Events at Fifth Third Field in 2018

High School Baseball at Fifth Third Field. A 15-game schedule begins April 14, giving high school players throughout the Miami Valley the opportunity to play at a professional facility.

Vectren Community All-Star Nights: May 8, June 25, July 30, August 16, and August 27

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Run for Life: April 18, May 30, June 27, July 11, and July 25

Hometown Heroes: April 11, May 8, June 24, July 15, and August 18.

Kroger Baseball Buddies! Kids 7-13 can go to local Kroger store to sign up for a chance to be a Kroger Baseball Buddy. Those picked will get a Dragons items, including an authentic Dragons jersey and will get to hang out with the players in the dug-out before the game.

Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts Overnighters: May 11 & July 27

Dragons Little Big Leagues Baseball Camps presented by IGS Energy: June 25, July 30

Kettering Health Network Public Safety Day: July 15

Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates of SW Ohio: July 21

Bob Ross Classic: August 2

Dontatos Pizza Family Movie Night: August 4

Great American Beer Tasting presented by Heidelberg Distributing: August 11

Ticket Information

Dragons Season Tickets

The Dragons most popular season ticket package features 17 games over the course of the season. Fans can also purchase a 35 or 9-game plan as well as a five-game plan. With all packages, ticket holders will be assigned a Dragons marketing manager as their contact person with the organization to provide assistance throughout the year. Tickets start at $11.75 per game. Fans can reserve a package and take advantage of a flexible payment plan. Purchasers of the new plan will receive special Dragons limited edition season ticketholder gifts on specific giveaway nights. All season ticket packages qualify the purchaser to receive a Jose Siri bobblehead which is exclusive to season ticket holders. They will also receive first rights to playoff games and special events at Fifth Third Field including concerts.

Dragons Kids Club is Back

For the sixth straight year, young Dragons fans can join the Frisch's Dragons Kids Club. For just $15, members receive two Dragons lawn tickets, a Dragons t-shirt, a Dragons hat, a free kids mini-meal at Frisch's Big Boy, and an invite to an exclusive Kids Club Movie Night.

Group Ticket Options

Group ticket opportunities are also available through the Dragons, including luxury suites, party decks, seating in the Azek Dragons Lair, on the third base side, and on the Lawn at Fifth Third Field. Special benefits are available for groups of 10 to 1,000 fans.

Bring Your Little League to Fifth Third Field

Little League outings at Fifth Third Field offer a unique experience to young players throughout the Miami Valley. Starting at just $6.00 a person, your Little League could participate in a pre-game parade at Fifth Third Field.

Single-Game Tickets

Single game tickets for the 2018 season are on sale now at the Dragons Box Office located next to the main entry gates at Fifth Third Field. The box office is open throughout the season from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. On weekend game dates, the box office will open at 12:00 noon and close following the game. The Box Office will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays when the team is on the road. Single-game tickets can be purchased in person, at the Dragons box office, any Miami Valley Kroger store that is a Ticketmaster outlet; other Ticketmaster locations; online at daytondragons.com; or by phone by calling the Dragons Box office at (937) 228-2287 or Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at (937) 228-2323.

Dragons on The Field

Luis Bolivar, a former Dragons player, returns for his second season as the Dragons manager in 2018. Last year, Bolivar led the Dragons to their deepest playoff run in franchise history as the team came within one win of reaching the Midwest League Championship Series. Joining Bolivar on the Dragons 2018 coaching staff will be pitching coach Seth Etherton, hitting coach Daryle Ward, bench coach Kevin Mahar, trainer Andrew Cleves, and strength/conditioning coach Trey Strickland.

The Dragons 2018 25-man roster is expected to be announced on Monday, April 2. Dragons fans will get an extended look at generational prospect Hunter Greene in 2018, but it is uncertain whether Greene will be on the roster on Opening Day. Greene, who has already been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, is an 18-year-old phenom with a fastball that was clocked at over 100 mph earlier this month in spring training. He was considered the top amateur prospect in the country in 2017 when he was drafted by the Reds. The Dragons Opening Day roster is expected to include outfielders Connor Fairchild, Andy Sugilio, and Miles Gordon, all strong prospects, giving them a collection of speed and athleticism in the batting order. A total of 91 former Dragons players have reached the Major Leagues, including all-stars Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto, Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, and Zack Cozart.

Dragons On Radio

Fox Sports 980 (WONE) is the flagship station for Dragons radio broadcasts. Games can also be heard at www.daytondragons.com. Dragons play-by-play announcer Tom Nichols returns for his 31st season in professional baseball and 11th year with the Dragons. He is joined by broadcaster Josh Hess in 2018.

Check out the Dayton Dragons Statistics




Images from this story

Fifth Third Field, home of the Dayton Dragons
Fifth Third Field, home of the Dayton Dragons
   



Midwest League Stories from April 2, 2018


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