Opening Day Highlights Eight-Game Homestand
The Governors' Cup Champion Durham Bulls kick off the 2014 International League season on Thursday, April 3 against the Gwinnett Braves. The defending Champions return to a newly renovated Durham Bulls Athletic Park, which underwent a $20 million renovation project during the offseason, for an eight-game homestand to begin the year.
The curtain will be lifted on the "new" Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Thursday, April 3 at 6:05pm when 605 West Apartments presents Opening Day. Gates open at 5:00pm for the game against division rival Gwinnett, giving fans plenty of time to enjoy pregame festivities that will feature a special entrance by Wool E. Bull, christening of new stadium video displays, full roster introductions, and National Anthem performed by the Duke Pitchforks - an a Capella group formerly directed by late Bulls season ticket holder and Duke professor Dr. Ben Ward, who passed away in December. During the Anthem, a flyover will be provided by the Warbirds 29th Squadron out of Smithfield, NC. Immediately following the home opener, fans will be treated to the first fireworks show of the season.
The Bulls and Braves continue the season's opening homestand on Friday, April 4, with a 7:05pm game presented by Triangle Orthopaedic Associates. Following the contest, Duke Energy presents the first Friday Night Fireworks display of the year. Both Thursday and Friday's games will feature a performance by the Diamond Cutters, the Bulls' world famous dancing grounds crew.
April 5 has been deemed Championship Saturday, as the Bulls will commemorate their 4th Governors' Cup win with special pregame ceremonies to hand out Championship Rings to members of the 2013 squad. The team will also raise an International League Champions flag and wear gold-detailed jerseys to honor the title season. Michael & Son Services present the 5:05pm game. Gates will open for Championship Saturday festivities at 4:00pm.
On Sunday, April 6, the top Tampa Bay and Atlanta affiliates close out the first series of the season with a rare weekend afternoon game at the DBAP. The 1:05pm game, presented by Sun Tan City, also features the season's first Kids Run the Bases event sponsored by Nature's Twist.
The new-look Charlotte Knights make their first visit of the year to the Bull City on Monday, April 7, beginning a four-game series. Monday's 7:05pm game is presented by McDonald's. Tuesday's 7:05pm game, also presented by McDonald's, features the 2-for-1 ROOsdays offer, where fans can get two Terrace Reserved tickets for the price of one when they mention Kangaroo Express or show the Kangaroo Express app at time of purchase at the DBAP box office.
After another 7:05pm contest on Wednesday, April 9, the Bulls conclude their first homestand of the season on Thursday, April 10. The 11:05am homestand finale is the first of two Education Days planned at the DBAP, presented by Mad Science of the Triangle. Thursday home games (with the exception of Opening Day and July 3) will feature $1 Bright Leaf hot dogs, popcorn and fries. In addition, Thursdays are College Nights where students can get a Terrace Reserved ticket and $5 in Bulls Bucks for just $11 or an Outfield Reserved ticket for only $5.99 by entering the promo code COLLEGE (and using a valid .edu email address) when purchasing tickets online at durhambulls.com. Finally, fans take advantage of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC True Blue Thursday promotion, where they can get a game ticket and exclusive cap for just $11.
The Durham Bulls open their 2014 International League season this Thursday at the newly renovated Durham Bulls Athletic Park against the Gwinnett Braves at 6:05pm. Tickets for all regular season home games are available at here durhambulls.com, by phone at 919.956.BULL, or at the DBAP box office.