Lansing expecting a mad rush ... for Rush

There's nothing like a night at the ballpark, where making memories is part of the fun.

The Lansing Lugnuts plan to do their part in that regard on Saturday, hosting a special Rush Tribute Night. Yes, that Rush, the Canadian rock band formed in the late 1960s who actively toured and recorded for nearly 40 years. So before you fly by night to Jackson Field ... why the rush for Rush?

"We're basically piggybacking off the success of our REO Speedwagon Night last year," said Amanda Rich, Lansing's marketing and fan engagement manager. "Our fans enjoyed last year's version so much we decided to do it again, but to do so, we had to find some type of local tie-in with a 'name' band."

Time is running out❗️⏰

Skip the 𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉 on Saturday & enter for your chance to win the Cooper Rush Bobblehead presented by Shaheen❗️🎵

One lucky winner will be chosen today, & will receive their bobblehead 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 Rush Tribute Night❗️🎸🏈

➡️: https://t.co/bDN7xNJLIw pic.twitter.com/KG7xhyMdTO

— Lansing Lugnuts (@LansingLugnuts) June 15, 2023

The High-A A's affiliate found one in the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee that formed in the Toronto area in 1968. Although the band was on a mission toward finding success, Rush didn't release its debut album -- titled "Rush" -- until 1974. The accompanying tour took the band across the border into the United States for the first time on May 18 of that same year at Lansing's North Side Drive-In.

"We had some different ideas with Rush after finding out they played in the States for the first time here in Lansing," Rich explained. "From there, it was pretty easy to craft a special night out of it with all sorts of fun and interesting ideas."

One idea was a no-brainer -- crafting a bobblehead for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush, a graduate of Lansing Catholic High School wearing his prep uniform.

This particular Rush will be in attendance to sign autographs and throw out the first pitch. And members of the QB's family, former teachers and coaches will also be taking part in festivities that put them squarely in the limelight.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Minor League promotion without all sorts of crazy fun sprinkled throughout the game. To that end, there will be trivia about the band, games, air guitar competitions and Lugnuts players wearing jerseys that say "LANSING" on the front in the style of Rush's trademark font.

All jerseys -- worn on the field or otherwise -- will be auctioned off with the proceeds directed to one of Cooper Rush's charities.

We don’t know what you’re doing 6/17, but we hope you’re in the mood for Rush Tribute Night❗️🎸

Don't miss the Cooper Rush Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Shaheen + a @rush_cooper Autograph Session❗️🖊️

Enjoy live music & @LAFCULansing Fireworks❗️🎆

🎟️: https://t.co/8fu0Fp10RG pic.twitter.com/SWAXeOR5Vk

— Lansing Lugnuts (@LansingLugnuts) June 10, 2023

"There's going to be a lot of historical facts and tidbits we plan on having," Rich said. "I think fans, not only of Rush, but of music, baseball and just having a good time will enjoy this."

Fans will be able to choose, by their own freewill, attending a pregame concert by a local band covering a number of Rush's greatest hits. There will also be postgame fireworks to help kick off summer, a moment sure to make time stand still.

What started off as something unique last year looks like it might become an annual event.

"We saw it [in 2022] with the REO Speedwagon Night," Rich said. "The atmosphere is great and the live music adds another element to it. Fans really love that sort of thing and finding unique ways to bring them out to the ballpark is so important for us.

"I was amazed at how many stayed after the game for fireworks and music during last year's [REO Speedwagon] promotion. We expect the same this weekend."

Baseball, music, games and fun. Nothing like a night at the ballpark to bring everything a little closer to the heart.