Blue Wahoos Have Built Fourth Of July Tradition At Ballpark

There will be no baseball played at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Fourth of July.
But there will be a crowd at the ballpark having a great time.
Food. Fun. Fireworks. It's become a triple play of enjoyment.
The Blue Wahoos have built their own All-American tradition since 2013, the franchise's second season. The team has not played a home game on the Fourth of July, aside from the inaugural 2012 season.
Every other year, the Blue Wahoos have been on the road. They begin a six-game series in Birmingham against the Birmingham Barons where a large crowd is expected for the game Thursday night at Regions Field.
"That first year, we played at 4 o'clock and we kept the stadium open to watch the fireworks at night," said Blue Wahoos team president Jonathan Griffith. "But that was the only game we've had here on the Fourth. It's not by choice. It's all by luck of how the schedule is made."
In the last seven years, the Blue Wahoos have utilized the stadium and its multi-purpose capacities to host a family-fun celebration.
The stadium presents a venue with easy access parking, where people can arrive early and watch the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra concert, the fireworks shows, enjoy food and chairback seating. Prior to the Pensacola Symphony having a concert, the ballpark used its video board to air a Fourth of July theme movie for fans.
"It has turned into such a convenient place to spend the Fourth of July," Griffith said. "It's safe, well lit and comfortable."
The Blue Wahoos are expecting several thousand people at the ballpark. Fans will be allowed to bring blankets - no food or drinks - and sit on the outfield grass.
Beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, gates will open with free admission to enjoy the Pensacola Symphony concert at the Hunter Amphitheater, located behind the stadium's center field fence, as part of the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park.
Inside the stadium, two concession stands will be open, serving hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn and other foods, along with beverages. The video board in right field will show the concert. There will be inflatables for children to play, along with other games and activities.
Shortly before 9 p.m., the Blue Wahoos will shoot off fireworks to lead into the annual Pensacola Sertoma 4th of July Fireworks show on Pensacola Bay across from nearby Bayfront Parkway. People will be able to see both shows from a seat inside the stadium.
"I think it's one of those things where people realize when they come here, there are clean bathrooms, it's safe for kids," Griffith said. "The stadium is all lit up, the concessions are open and it's comfortable.
In addition, the Blue Wahoos had offered a $35 per-person option on the Coors Deck Party Deck on Thursday which included a 90-minute buffet. There was also a $55 option at the Hancock Whitney Bank Club with a more elaborate meal that included salad and desert bar and entries.
Both sold out earlier in the week as fans purchased those tickets. 
As for the Blue Wahoos team, they are on a six-game road trip against Birmingham, followed by an off-day. They will begin a six-game homestand on July 11 against the Montgomery Biscuits.