'Pigs iron out preliminary promotions
Moreover, the IronPigs will continue to add and announce additional promotions prior to Opening Day.
"In our inaugural season, fans lived 'high on the hog' with the best promotional lineup in all of Minor League baseball," said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. "We felt as though we now have a reputation to uphold -- so we reloaded with some new unique giveaways and crazy entertainment acts to supplement the popular returning promotions. To paraphrase MC Hammer, [other teams] still can't touch us."
To celebrate the start of the second season of IronPigs baseball, Opening Day on April 9 will be Coca-Cola Park Replica Giveaway Night -- which features a one-of-a-kind collector's replica the "2008 Ballpark of the Year" as awarded by Ballpark Digest.
A total of 18 post-game fireworks shows are scheduled, including every Friday home game in 2009. Similarly to last season, the IronPigs will celebrate Independence Day with back-to-back fireworks displays on July 2 and July 3. The show on July 2 will be the only 3-D firework extravaganza in Eastern Pennsylvania. An additional holiday show is slated for September 6 on Labor Day Eve.
Bobbleheads make their popular return on April 16 when the IronPigs observe Hawaiian Night -- and the first 3,000 fans 18 and older will receive a bobblehead of the Phillies World Champion outfielder Shane Victorino, as presented by Nacci Printing.
Victorino, a Hawaiian native, became the first-ever Major Leaguer to rehab with the IronPigs when he appeared in uniform at Coca-Cola Park last season on April 26-27.
The IronPigs will also honor one of the top young stars in the Phillies system with a J.A. Happ bobblehead giveaway planned for August 12. FeFe, the IronPigs lovable female mascot, is tabbed for the other bobblehead giveaway on June 25.
Several unique giveaway items are scheduled for the 2009 season, such as Check Book Covers on Tax Day (April 15), "Go Green" Canvas Bags in recognition of Earth Day (April 25), Maracas in celebration of Cinco De Mayo (May 5), Plungers (May 18), Camo Caps for Memorial Day (May 24), House Flag Day (June 14) and Pizza Cutters for Italian Heritage Night (June 29).
A number of other great keepsakes are calculated for the upcoming season, including Souvenir Playing Cards (April 26), Men's T-shirts (May 2), Pink Bucket Hats (May 3), Youth Caps (May 17), Night Lights (May 31), Mouse Pads (June 1), FeRROUS Growth Charts (June 28), Team Card Sets (June 30), Mascot Banks (July 19), Youth Batting Helmets (August 9), Footballs (August 11), Lunch Bags (August 20), Oven Mitts (August 31) and Wall Calendars (September 1).
Dog Lovers and their four-legged companions can take home a Dog Leash at the second annual "Bark in the Park" on April 30. An additional "Bark in the Park" date is set for August 10 and will feature a canine-themed live entertainment act.
The first of three baseball giveaways will be handed out to the initial 3,500 fans on May 6. The series continues on July 7 and concludes on September 2. Three Collectible Souvenir Cup giveaways are staged for May 21, June 11 and July 30.
Coca-Cola Park continues to be a featured destination for those seeking the very best traveling mascots and acts in the country. The World Famous Phillie Phanatic makes his highly-anticipated return on both May 23 and July 18. The Bucket Boys, an extremely popular percussive-themed group, make their Coca-Cola Park debut on September 5. Other great acts that will make appearances in 2009 include Rally (May 4), Rubber Boy (May 30) and Quick Change (June 13).
Starting times remain similar to 2008 with Monday through Saturday games predominately scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The only exceptions are for a Business Person's Special on April 13 (4:05 p.m.), Education Day #1 on May 7 (10:35 a.m.), Education Day #2 on May 19 (10:35 a.m.) and Camp Day on July 29 (11:05 a.m.). Sunday games are scheduled for 1:35 p.m. though June 14 and 5:35 p.m. from June 28 until the end of the regular season.
Season tickets, mini-plans and group tickets for the 2009 season presented by Capital BlueCross are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (610) 841-PIGS or by visiting the Coca-Cola Park ticket office.
The preliminary promotional schedule (subject to change) can be found here.