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MWL1 Dayton Dragons

What's Hot with the Dragons in 2017

March 30, 2017 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


What's Hot with the Dragons in 2017
What's Hot with the Dragons in 2017
(Dayton Dragons)

What's Hot with the Dragons and Fifth Third Field in 2017

Entertainment for the Entire Family Top Priority

Dayton, OH - Fans attending a game at Fifth Third Field during the 2017 season should expect to see plenty of new and exciting things at the ballpark, while also enjoying 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 2017 season as the Dragons continue their focus on great professional baseball, affordable family fun, unsurpassed customer service, and community involvement.

Six Months Packed With Entertainment Beginning Opening Day

Opening Day is Thursday, April 6 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 Catalyst, an A Capella group from Northmont High School, winners of the Dayton Daily News national anthem contest. There will also be performances from the Mini Dugout Dancers 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 has been rehearsing since January, spending multiple weekends at the ballpark to get ready for opening day and the 2017 season.

New at Fifth Third Field in 2017

Dragons Unveil Revamped AZEK Dragons Lair

The new AZEK Dragons Lair experience will allow groups to view the game from the newly-designed space above the left field wall, featuring premium decking manufactured locally by AZEK Building Products. The all-inclusive package comes with game tickets and a food spread 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. Everyone in the group also receives a Dragons hat and Dragons t-shirt.

Additional Netting Increases Fan Safety

With fan experience and safety in mind, the Dayton Dragons have expanded netting in the seating area for this season. The new, expanded netting will protect the seating areas of section 104 through section 116. Additionally, all existing netting was raised approximately five feet in order to better shield fans seated in the club level and luxury suites.

LCD Monitors in Concourse

Fans will quickly notice an upgrade to the video network located at Fifth Third Field. The Dragons partnered with Dayton-based Stratacache, a global video solutions provider, to create a new in-house video network consisting of 27 monitors spread throughout the stadium concourse. Above each concession stand, fans will be able to see live game action on 75" high definition monitors. Flanking each of the 75" monitors are two additional monitors sharing sponsor and other Dragons event information.

Reds to Play Top Minor League Prospects in Dayton

The baseball schedule at Fifth Third Field officially gets started on April 1st when the Cincinnati Reds play against a collection of their best minor league prospects playing at the Triple-A, Double-A, and Single-A levels. The "Futures Game" will be the second of its kind held at Fifth Third Field, the first took place in 2009. First pitch is slated for 1:35 p.m.

New Food Options Available at Fifth Third Field

Dragons fans will have an assortment of new food options to enjoy during ballgames this season. Items added to the menu include a crispy chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, smoked corn on the cob, elephant ear, and pizza burger. A wide assortment of Gluten free options will also be available, including sandwiches, snacks, beverages, and desserts.

"Mom's Room" Caters to Nursing Mothers

The Dragons have turned the "family" restroom on the third base side into a "Mom's room" for nursing mothers. It has been transformed from a restroom to an attractive, private room with a warm environment for mothers who are nursing their young one

Lobby Undergoes Makeover

Dragons fans will notice a new look to Fifth Third Field's main lobby where the reception desk is located. The area, which also serves as the game night entrance for suite holders, has undergone a significant makeover that includes new flooring, lighting, paint, and décor.

Suite Level Receives New Décor

In recent years, the Dragons have focused on giving the suite level a "fresh" appearance. The interiors of suites and bathrooms have been updated and the hallways and lobby have been given a new look. This season, the Dragons are continuing to spruce up the lobby area and hallways with a brand-new décor theme highlighting over 17 years of great memories at Fifth Third Field.

New Neighbors

The Dragons are very excited about the upcoming opening of the new Delco Lofts in April/May of 2017. Water Street developers have brought to life a historic building sits on the main block of the stadium. The building will house over 100 apartments. In addition, the new brewery/restaurant, Lock 27, will open on the first floor of the Delco Building in April/May.

Dragons Partner with American Cancer Society for 50/50 Raffle

The Dayton Dragons Foundation has teamed up with the American Cancer Society this season as charity partners for the nightly 50/50 raffle at the ballpark. Fans can purchase tickets from sellers and kiosks throughout the ballpark and watch the nightly pots grow. Each night, the winner takes home half of the pot and the remainder goes to the charities.

More Dragons Info for 2017

Dragons Telecasts on Dayton's CW

Dayton's CW (WBDT-TV) and the Dragons will broadcast 25 Dragons home games during the 2017 season from Fifth Third Field. Baseball Night in Dayton begins with the Dragons home opener on Thursday, April 6th. 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

WDTN-TV Sports Director Jack Pohl will provide color commentary on the opening broadcast and many others throughout the year. Former Dragons broadcaster Mike Vander Woude will also serve as a color commentator this season. 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

School MVP Program

The Dragons elementary school MVP Program enters its 12th year in 2017. The program includes 1,116 fourth and fifth grade classrooms in 183 schools over 48 school districts with about 34,000 children participating. Due to the support of the participating sponsors, the program is completely free of charge to the schools.

How does the Dragons School MVP Program work? The teacher in each of the 1,116 classrooms in Miami, Warren, Montgomery, Greene, and Clark counties will select 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 will get 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 mascot will visit selected schools over the course of the season.

Additionally, MVPs are highlighted throughout the season. They record their own radio commercials that play during Dragons broadcasts. Their story is also featured in our PlayBall game program and in a 30-second commercial on Dayton's CW.

14 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. Two times each season, all classroom MVP's are invited to attend the Dragons MVP Field Day at Fifth Third Field and interact with Dragons players.

The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans is also made possible by the generous support of Sinclair Community College, WDTN-TV and Dayton's CW Television.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Run for Life

The Dragons and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have teamed up for the 12th year to showcase the "Home Run for Life" program. This program honors individuals who have shown tremendous strength and courage in fighting serious illnesses. Anthem Home Run for Life nights are May 31, June 14, July 19, August 2, and August 14.

American Celebration Nights

In conjunction with the Dayton Development Coalition, "Hometown Heroes" American Celebration Nights are back in 2017, on May 20 and August 5, honoring our local servicemen and women. The entertainment theme on these nights is related to the military personnel.

Vectren Community All-Stars

The Dayton Dragons "Community All-Stars" program recognizes unsung community members for their good deeds and efforts. This season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five individuals or organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. Throughout the season, "All-Stars"-anyone from firefighters to first responders, non-profit organizations to Good Samaritans-and their families will receive VIP treatment at a Dragons game in recognition of their service. Community All-Stars nights are set for May 12, June 13, July 24, August 15, and August 24.

Family and Community Events at Fifth Third Field in 2017

- High School Baseball at Fifth Third Field. A 13-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 12, June 13, July 24, August 15, August 24

- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Run for Life: May 31, June 14, July 19, August 2, August 14

- Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Overnighters are back at Fifth Third Field. Boy Scouts night is Friday, May 12 and Girl Scout Night is slated for Friday, July 21. Local scouts spend the night at the ballpark and watch a movie on the video board.

- City of Dayton Fireworks: July 3

- In conjunction with the Dayton Development Coalition, American Celebration nights are back in 2017 as the Dragons will spend two game nights honoring our local servicemen and women. Game dates are Saturday, May 20, and Saturday, August 5.

- Dragons Experience Youth Baseball Clinics: June 14-15 & July 20-21

- Bob Ross Classic High School All-Star Game: July 29

- Dragons 5k: July 15

- The third annual "Yoga in the Outfield" will be held on July 26

- Great American Beer Tasting: August 12

- Donatos Pizza Family Movie Night: August 19

- 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.

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 $11.00 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 Gem bobblehead doll 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 fifth straight year, young Dragons fans can join the Frisch's Dragons Kids Club. For just $15, members receive four Dragons tickets, a Dragons t-shirt, a Dragons hat, a Dragons backpack, a free kids 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 $8 a person, your Little League could participate in a pre-game parade at Fifth Third Field.

Single-Game Tickets

Single game tickets for the 2017 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, or any Ticketmaster outlet; 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, who has been the Dragons hitting coach for the past three seasons, will serve as the Dragons manager in 2017. Bolivar played nine years of Minor League Baseball, including eight with the Reds organization. He played in 180 games for the Dragons in 2003-04' and represented the team in the 2004 Midwest League All-Star Game. Bolivar will become the ninth manager in Dragons history. Joining Bolivar on the Dragons 2017 coaching staff will be pitching coach Derrin Ebert, hitting coach Daryle Ward, bench coach Kevin Mahar, trainer Kyle Utne, and strength/conditioning coach Trey Strickland.

The Dragons 2017 25-man roster is expected to be announced on Monday, April 3. It is expected to be highlighted by outfielder Taylor Trammell, the Reds supplemental first round draft pick in 2016. A total of 81 former Dragons players have reached the Major Leagues, including all-stars Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto, Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, and Devin Mesoraco.

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 30th season in professional baseball and tenth year with the Dragons. He is joined by broadcaster Jason Kempf in 2017.

Check out the Dayton Dragons Statistics




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What's Hot with the Dragons in 2017
What's Hot with the Dragons in 2017
   



Midwest League Stories from March 30, 2017


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