Bethpage Ballpark. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports
The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced the club’s preliminary promotional schedule for the 2015 season. In addition, the team also unveiled their marketing slogan for the 2015 campaign, “Good Times, Every Time!” The phrase will adorn promotional items and marketing materials (print, radio, TV) throughout the year. Tickets for all promotions go on sale Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m.
The good times will start rolling on Opening Night, Friday, May 1, when P.C. Richard & Son will present “Lew Ford Bronze Figurine Night.” The first 1,500 fans in attendance will take home this one-of-a-kind replica of 2014 Atlantic League Player of the Year, Lew Ford, courtesy of the electronics & appliance giant and charter Ducks sponsor. Gates will open at 5:35 p.m. prior to that night’s game against the Sugar Land Skeeters, and fans will want to be in their seats early for a special Player of the Year award presentation along with traditional Opening Night pomp and circumstance.
For the first time in franchise history, the Ducks will be retiring the jersey numbers of two all-time greats. The #4 jersey of Justin Davies, who played with the Ducks from 2000-06, will be retired on Friday, June 19. Then, on Sunday, August 16, the Ducks will retire Ray Navarrete’s #16 jersey, which he donned from 2006-13. Fans will not want to miss these historic ceremonies at Bethpage Ballpark to honor two of the most successful players in team history.
In addition, fans of Long Island’s hometown team will be able to take home pins honoring several of the team’s all-time greats as part of this year’s Collector’s Series. Along with a collectible Ducks Pennant, the team will be handing out 1,000 pins apiece at five separate games honoring coaches and players such as Bud Harrelson (#3), Davies (#4), Doug Jennings (#7), Gary Carter (#8) and Navarrete (#16).
The promotional schedule will also be highlighted by a grand total of 17 Fireworks Extravaganzas, including one after every Saturday night home game. Each one will be performed by the world famous Pyrotecnico company, who lit up the night sky on Ducks fireworks nights in 2014. Throughout the year, fans will enjoy several exciting theme nights, including popular events such as Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Appreciation Night, Health Night, Irish Night and the 10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Highly sought after giveaway items such as Elizabeth Hashagen Bobbleheads by News 12 Long Island, Ducks T-shirts and Thundersticks will also be handed out this season. The preliminary 2015 promotional schedule can be viewed at the end of the release.
Additionally, and brand new for 2015, the Ducks will be presenting a weekly promotional lineup featuring opportunities for fans to win outstanding prizes, receive discounts on tickets, food and beverages, and enjoy several fun-filled activities. The following is this year’s weekly promotional schedule:
20K MATCH GAME MONDAYS – Fans will attempt to match the last six (6) digits of their driver’s license against the VIN of a featured vehicle. If they match, that lucky fan will win $20,000!
TWO-FER TUESDAYS – Fans purchasing tickets to any Tuesday home game can receive a special buy one, get one free offer by entering the promo code “BOGO” when buying tickets online (max four total tickets per transaction).
WINNING INNING WEDNESDAYS – Throughout each Wednesday home game, the Ducks will designate a specific occurrence during each inning. If the event occurs during that inning, one lucky fan will win $10,000! Simply sign up at the Ducks Ticket Kiosk to be eligible to win.
THIRSTY THURSDAYS – The Duck Club Restaurant/Bar, normally reserved for VIP/Season Ticket Holders only, will be open to all fans at Thursday home games! The bar will feature drink specials, including half price domestics, while the restaurant will include special menu selections.
FOWL POLE AND PIZZA HUT K-MAN FRIDAYS – If a Ducks player hits a home run off of one of the foul poles during a Friday home game, one lucky fan will win $50,000! In addition, a visiting team player will be selected as the Pizza Hut K-Man of the game. If that player strikes out, fans can redeem their game ticket for an order of free breadsticks at a participating Pizza Hut location.
FIREWORKS AND DICK’S SPORTING GOODS SATURDAYS – The hottest ticket in town and annually the most popular promotion of the year now takes place every Saturday night! Enjoy a postgame Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza from your seats at Bethpage Ballpark. Then as you exit the ballpark, be sure to grab your coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
SUNDAY FAMILY FUN DAYS – Bethpage Ballpark is the place to bring the whole family on Sundays! Prior to the game, fans will be invited onto the field for an autograph session with the Ducks. After the game, kids (and kids at heart) can be like their favorite Ducks player during Kids Run the Bases, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
Also new for 2015 will be a brand new seating area at Bethpage Ballpark known as the Trout Town Fan Can. This exclusive space, presented by Roscoe Beer Company, will allow 12 guests to enjoy the comforts of plush leather seating and air conditioning while watching the game. Fans can purchase a package to enjoy the Fan Can that comes complete with food and beverage for all guests. For more information about the Trout Town Fan Can, please CLICK HERE.
Tickets for all 2015 Ducks games will go on sale beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at the Bethpage Ballpark box office. The ballpark will be the one and only place to get Ducks game tickets at that time, so fans are encouraged to arrive early to ensure the best availability for all of this year’s great promotional dates.
This Saturday, to mark the Opening Day of Ticket Sales, fans will be treated to a carnival-like atmosphere at Bethpage Ballpark. QuackerJack and Ducks players/coaches will be on hand to sign autographs and pose for pictures. They will join emcee The Wiseman of B-103to lead the morning excitement. In addition, Long Island-based rock and roll band Tony K. and Boardwalk will be providing live musical entertainment as the ticket window opens.
Centerplate, the official concessions partner of the Long Island Ducks, will provide complimentary snacks and beverages including coffee, hot chocolate and bagels for fans as they wait on line. Several other food partners will also be providing treats for fans to enjoy. The Waddle In Shop, the official merchandise store of the Ducks, will also be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For information regarding all of the fun and excitement taking place at Bethpage Ballpark on Saturday, March 21, CLICK HERE!
2015 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
May 1 Lew Ford Bronze Figurines by P.C. Richard and Son (first 1,500 fans)
May 2 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Astoria Bank
May 3 2015 Magnet Schedules by QuackerJack Foundation (first 1,000 fans)
May 8 2015 Collector’s Series – 1 of 6 – Ducks Pin Pennants (first 1,000 fans)
May 9 (Day) Magnet Schedules by QuackerJack Foundation (first 1,000 fans) / Peanut-Free Day
May 9 (Night) Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza
May 10 Mother’s Day Brunch at Bethpage Ballpark
May 12 2nd Annual Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Appreciation Night
May 13 2015 Collector’s Series – 2 of 6 – Bud Harrelson #3 Jersey Pins (first 1,000 fans)
May 14 2015 Collector’s Series – 3 of 6 – Justin Davies #4 Jersey Pins (first 1,000 fans)
May 22 Ducks Thundersticks (first 1,000 fans)
May 23 (Day) 2015 Collector’s Series – 4 of 6 – Doug Jennings #7 Jersey Pins (first 1,000 fans)
May 23 (Night) Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza
May 24 2015 Collector’s Series – 5 of 6 – Gary Carter #8 Jersey Pins (first 1,000 fans)
May 31 2015 Collector’s Series – 6 of 6 – Ray Navarrete #16 Jersey Pins (first 1,000 fans)
June 7 Mascot Appearance, presented by Atlantic Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
June 8 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by NYIT
June 9 Principal Financial Dreams Tour Night with Former MLB Player Appearance
June 16 “Don’t Zone Out Night” with Ducks Static Cling Decals, presented by CSEA (first 2,500 fans)
June 18 Kids Health & Safety Expo with First Aid Kits, presented by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital
(first 1,500 fans)
June 19 Justin Davies Jersey Number Retirement Ceremony and Ducks T-Shirts by Petro
(first 1,500 fans)
June 20 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by NYCB
June 22 Health Night (Giveaway TBD), presented by North Shore LIJ/Southside Hospital
July 2 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by The Rinx at Hidden Pond Park
July 3 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Huntington Honda
July 4 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Atlantic Honda
July 5 Yellow and Navy Baseballs by Yellow Dog Lawn Care (first 1,500 fans)
July 17 YMCA Night (Giveaway TBD)
July 18 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza
July 19 Ducks Logo Baseballs by AARP NY (first 1,500 fans)
July 20 Irish Night, presented by Shandon Court
July 22 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza
July 23 Ducks Logo Caps by People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union (first 1,500 fans)
July 28 Suffolk County Boy Scouts Night, presented by Bridgehampton National Bank
August 1 Military Appreciation Night with Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Northrop Grumman
August 2 Elizabeth Hashagen Bobbleheads by News 12 Long Island (first 1,500 fans)
August 3 Camp Day – Special 11:05 a.m. Game Time
August 10 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza
August 13 Dr. QuackerJack T-Shirts by Peconic Bay Medical Center (first 1,500 fans)
August 14 New York State Nurses Association Night (Giveaway TBD)
August 15 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Suffolk Federal
August 16 Ray Navarrete Bobbleheads (first 1,500 fans) and Jersey Number Retirement Ceremony,
presented by Digmi
August 22 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza
August 23 Mascot Day
September 1 10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night with Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza
September 2 “Bark in the Park” Night
September 3 Back to School Lunch Boxes by SCOPE Education Services (first 1,500 kids 12 and under)
September 5 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza
September 12 Pyrotecnico Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Flushing Bank
September 13 Fan Appreciation Day, presented by Pepsi
***ALL PROMOTIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***