WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced phase one (May-June) of their 2018 promotional schedule.
Following a six-game road trip in Texas to start the regular season, the Goldeyes host the Sioux Falls Canaries for their 2018 home opener on Friday, May 25th. The home opener festivities are presented by Pepsi, who are providing all fans in attendance a 2018 magnet schedule and the Goldeyes will raise the 2017 American Association championship banner prior to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch. May 25th is also the first of seven postgame fireworks spectaculars, presented by Archangel Fireworks (full list of 2018 postgame fireworks dates below).
The opening weekend continues on Saturday, May 26th when the ALS Society of Manitoba presents Lou Gehrig Awareness Night, featuring a pre-game re-enactment of the 1939 farewell speech delivered by the New York Yankees’ legend. The following afternoon, Boston Pizza presents the annual Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame Game. During the 1:05 p.m. contest against the Canaries, the Goldeyes will wear commemorative Brandon Marlins’ jerseys, and Boston Pizza will also be giving away replica 1994 Goldeyes jerseys to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.
Baseball Manitoba Day at the ballpark takes place on Monday, May 28th when the Lincoln Saltdogs arrive for a three-game series. The Goldeyes will help Baseball Manitoba celebrate their 50th anniversary by wearing special Baseball Manitoba jerseys and caps. Many local minor baseball teams will be in attendance, and will participate in a pre-game parade on the field.
Friday, June 8th will be an historic night in Goldeyes’ history. Not only does the 7:05 p.m. match represent the inaugural visit for the expansion Chicago Dogs, but the first 1,000 fans in attendance will also take home a replica 2017 championship ring, courtesy of ABC Fire & Safety. Following the game, fans can enjoy a great postgame fireworks show.
Bark in the Park returns on Saturday, June 9th. While the Goldeyes battle the Dogs on the field, fans are invited to bring their own furry friends to Shaw Park for the 6:05 p.m. game. Winnipeg will once again attempt to break the Guinness World Records™ title for “Most Dogs Attending a Sporting Event.” The current record is 1,122 dogs, held by the Chicago White Sox in 2016.
Manitoba Hydro presents Field of Dreams Awareness Night on Tuesday, June 12th when the Goldeyes host the Gary SouthShore RailCats. Several charities impacted by the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ Field of Dreams Foundation will be in attendance to promote their causes. The Field of Dreams Foundation has raised and distributed more than $2.2 Million towards Manitoba-based children’s charities since being founded in 1995.
The annual School Patrol Night returns on Monday, June 18th when the Goldeyes take on Kansas City at 7:05 p.m. The event is presented by Manitoba Public Insurance and honours the hard-working boys and girls who keep their classmates safe throughout the school year. A postgame fireworks show follows the June 18th game.
In late-June, the Goldeyes take on the Wichita Wingnuts in a rematch of the previous two American Association Championship Series. During the series finale on Wednesday, June 27th, the Goldeyes celebrate one of Winnipeg’s most well-known cultures with the return of our Ukrainian Celebration, presented by Pratts Wholesale Food Service.
The month’s promotional highlights conclude on Thursday, June 28th with Shirt Off Our Backs Night, presented by Cambrian Credit Union. Each inning, one lucky fan will take home the jersey right off the back of a Goldeyes’ player. The contest against the Saints begins at 7:05 p.m. and includes the fourth postgame fireworks show of the season.
The early portion of the home schedule includes two Kids Day matinee games on Thursday, May 31st versus Lincoln and Monday, June 11th versus Gary SouthShore. Both Kids Day games begin at 11:05 a.m., and all youth fans in attendance will receive a free toothbrush as they exit Shaw Park, courtesy of Children’s Dental World.
2018 Postgame Fireworks Dates
- Friday, May 25th vs. Sioux Falls
- Friday, June 8th vs. Chicago
- Monday, June 18th vs. Kansas City
- Thursday, June 28th vs. St. Paul
- Thursday, July 12th vs. Sioux Falls
- Saturday, August 18th vs. Sioux City
- Friday, August 31st vs. Fargo-Moorhead
By Winnipeg Goldeyes
File photo