Written for Hometown Headlines, a website focused on news and business in Northwest Georgia. This article previews the fan experience and possible roster invitations for the Rome Braves' 2009 season.
by Mickey Seward
In the first six seasons since they relocated here from Macon, the Rome Braves have won a South Atlantic League championship, reached the playoffs twice and produced some of the game’s top prospects.
Still, as much as the team’s on-field success brings fans to the ballpark, the Braves’ game-day atmosphere depends as much on what happens off the field as the action between the lines.
The Braves open the season on the road with a four-game series at Charleston, S.C., beginning April 9. The home opener is April 14 against Savannah, the first of a six-game homestand. Along with traditional Opening Night festivities, former Atlanta Braves catcher Javy Lopez will throw the ceremonial first pitch.
That first home game also will mark the first "2-for-Tuesday" promotion. All season long, fans can purchase two tickets for the price of one in any seating section on Tuesdays. The Braves have run the promotion in the past but not for “special” games such as Opening Night or July 4th. This season, the promotion will be applied each Tuesday.
New ticket discounts for 2009
Another cost-cutting promotion is aimed at families. On Sundays, a family of four can receive four game tickets, four hot dogs, four soft drinks and four boxes of popcorn for $25.
Other discounts include:
-$20 tickets in the all-you-can-eat section on Mondays (a $5 discount)
-Senior Days on Wednesdays (half price club level seats for fans at least 55).
-Dollar Drink Nights on Thursdays (beer and soft drinks).
-Military discounts gives all members of the U.S. armed forces, past or present, a $1 discount on any ticket by showing a military ID.
Regular ticket prices, which range from $4-$10, have gone unchanged since 2005. The Braves will bring back much of the most popular between-innings games and entertainment, including the Braves Brigade dance team. Kiss Cam and the Hot Dog Squad are among the recognizable holdovers but a few new promotions will join the list of events that help give minor league baseball its unique appeal.
One of the new promotions is a build-a-burrito competition, which will take place on the field between innings. “Truth or Spoof,” which will enable fans to get to know the players and staff members, will make its debut at State Mutual Stadium this spring as will “Meal or No Meal,” based on the popular television game show, “Deal or No Deal.”
What's on the menu
For the fans who aren’t lucky enough to win a meal, there will be plenty of new food options at the concession stands.
“We’re excited about the new Tony Pepperoni pizza parlor, featuring Mr. Pepperoni’s family recipe,” says Braves General Manager Michael Dunn. “There will be nightly visits throughout the summer from the Pepperoni family. We will also have a new crispy chicken sandwich, tater tot pie, chicken wings and a new jumbo souvenir flashing mug. All concession stands will also have combo packages that include fries and a drink at a discounted price.”
While getting ready for the baseball season, Dunn and his staff also are busy prepping other events. “We’re working on a car show, a concert and a baseball showcase,” he says. “There will be more information coming soon on those projects.”
One project that has been tackled is the team’s new-look Web site (click www.romebraves.com). Introduced this winter, it is more in line with other minor league and major league team websites.
“This site is more current, more interactive,” Dunn says. “We’ll be able to include some video streaming.”
One of the interactive features is a fan poll, which Braves staff members believe will allow the team to gauge fan opinion on different matters. An option to receive the team’s official electronic newsletter is available as well. The e-newsletter puts fans on the team’s mailing list to receive e-mail blasts with news and information.
There also is an area on the front page delegated for a “Rome Braves Fan of the Game” as well as information on how kids ages 14-and-younger can join Romey’s Rascals, the team’s kid’s club. Team news, statistics, rosters and other information can all be found on the web site as well.
While no current social networking sites are being maintained by the team, club officials say an official Facebook presence will be available soon.
Along with the new promotions, discounts and web site, fans also will see the addition of a blue alternate jersey with “ROME” across the chest (right).
Fans can also join the Rome Braves Fan Club, an independent organization that supports players and field staff during the season. For more information, contact the Rome Braves, who can then put you in touch with the fan club.
