The weather is heating up, which can only mean one thing — baseball is back at The Swamp! The team is working hard to offer an exciting year filled with good times and great baseball as the SwampDogs start their historic 15th season of fun.
A night at The Swamp is about great baseball, but there is so much more. There are theme nights that bring the community together to celebrate different causes and organizations as well as activities for the whole family. FunGo the team mascot is always in attendance, there are contests, giveaways and more throughout every game — and at a price that won’t make fans flinch.
“Since the team’s inaugural 2001 season, SwampDogs games have been the place to go for family fun and entertainment without breaking the budget, and 2015 promises to be the best year yet,” said Assistant General Manager/Voice of the SwampDogs Joe Vasile.
The year kicked off with a bang Tuesday, May 26, as the SwampDogs hosted opening night against the Morehead City Marlins. The first 500 fans received a magnet schedule courtesy of Freeman and Barrett, CPAs to know when to come out to The Swamp all season long.
The first Saturday home game of the season on falls on May 30, and the team is pulling out all the stops to make sure fans have a good time. Don’t’ miss the evening Fireworks Extravaganza presented by H&H Homes and Coldwell Banker.
“The SwampDogs have the best fireworks extravaganzas in town, so you don’t want to miss out on your chance to experience one,” said Vasile.
The team puts on several Fireworks Extravaganzas every year and these games have proven to be favorites with the fans. The second Fireworks Extravaganza takes place Saturday, June 13, when the SwampDogs celebrate Military Appreciation Night. At this game, the SwampDogs will celebrate the 240th birthday of the U.S. Army with style and help from some their friends at Rick Hendrick Toyota and USAA.
Take a trip back in time as the team celebrates the 15th season of SwampDogs baseball.
“We’ll be turning back the clock to the year 2000 on June 19 to celebrate,” said Vasile. “The first 500 fans in attendance at that game will receive a trucker hat courtesy of Healy Wholesale.”
Saturday, June 27, is going to be a rocking good time at The Swamp. The ‘Dogs play host to musician Zach Brown — in person. Three-time GRAMMY winners and multi-platinum artists, the Zac Brown Band has sold more than 7 million albums and produced a historic series of 11 #1 hit singles. The first 500 fans through the gates 21 and over will get a pint glass courtesy of R.A. Jeffrey’s.
The SwampDogs kick-off the second half of their schedule Wednesday, July 1. The theme for the night is Opening Night: Part 2: The Salute to Sequels. Follow the team’s social media accounts for special discounts and deals that night.
The biggest event of the summer returns Friday, July 3, with the Honoring America Fireworks Tribute presented by Hendrick Chrysler Jeep Fiat and USAA.
“This is the best fireworks show Fayetteville has to offer during the summer, and is a memorable show for the whole family,” said Vasile.
Thursday, July 9, marks the return of Family Fun Night and the FunGo Bobblehead giveaway. Make sure to grab this year’s bobblehead courtesy of Bob 96.5 FM to add to your collection
Saturday, July 11, is the ninth annual StriKing Out Cancer Night. The SwampDogs will auction off one-of-a-kind game-worn pink jerseys to benefit the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center.
Behind the country’s military heroes are strong, loving families. Come out July 16 and join the SwamDogs in honoring their sacrifice and strength with the SwampDogs’ Salute to Military Families presented by USAA.
The season goes out with a bang Aug. 1.
“The regular season concludes Saturday, Aug.1, with Fan and Sponsor Appreciation Night,” said Vasile “It will be a night of giveaways and prizes capped off with the final fireworks extravaganza of the summer.”
The SwampDogs represent Fayetteville in the Coastal Plain League, which is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Now in its 19th season, the CPL features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL is all about giving college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players stay with local host families for the summer; an arrangement that works well for both players and hosts as they build friendships and make memories over the course of the season. According to the Vasile, the CPL has had more than 1,200 alumni drafted and 75 of those — including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander — make their Major League debut; while another notable alum — Russell Wilson — won Super Bowl XLVIII.
The SwampDogs have certainly made their mark as a CPL team. Vasile credits them as one of the most successful franchises in the Coastal Plains League’s history. The team has made it to the Petitt Cup Playoffs eight times in the past 10 seasons, reaching the championship round three times. The SwampDogs also boast 84 alumni taken in the draft and have produced six players who have gone on to play in Major League Baseball.
To reserve your tickets for these games and all the other fun happening at The Swamp this season, call the SwampDogs front office at 426-5900. For more information on the SwampDogs you can head over to the newly redesigned online home of the team at www.goswampdogs.com, and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.