Rome Braves gearing up for 2015 season: New game times, new logo and a few stadium changes
By Natalie Simms
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One month from today, the ‘boys of summer’ will be back in town as the Rome Braves open their 2015 home season against the Asheville Tourists at State Mutual Stadium. This season promises not only hard-hitting bats, but also several improvements to help fans enjoy their game experience even more.
“We have a lot of surprises that people will have to come to the ballpark and see,” says Mike Dunn, general manager of Rome Braves.
One fun addition is a boat to the Marina area giving an expanded dockside to the stadium.
“We have an expanded dockside with Captain’s chairs that will seat 15 that will overlook the batting cages so you can see the team preparing for the game. It is a unique angle…bar stool seating on field level…like an outdoor suite,” says Dunn.
Tickets will be sold at each game for these 15 seats that can be purchased individually or all together. There will also be changes to the general admission seating area, formerly known as Applebee’s Home Run Hill.
“We used to have picnic tables over that way for general admission seating, but we now have a structure going up there. It will be a new party area that will be branded by a sponsor,” he says. Details of the new branded area will be released later this month. There will still be general admission seating on both sides of the stadium.
Dunn says parties are very strong draws for the stadium. “We are booking team parties and birthday parties…very strong sales. Not only parties, but picnics are also really increasing…all very favorable for us.”
Fans will also notice some new food items at the ballpark, along with some returning favorites.
“Along the first base side, we will have the new Spudy Fruit that will have healthy fare including a baked potato bar and fruit,” he says. “Our hand-dipped ice cream will be back per fans’ request. We will also have a new menu at the Three Rivers Club, along with some new technology renovations inside the restaurant.”
To help draw in the crowds, the Rome Braves have a busy promotions calendar for the season that includes post-game fireworks on April 11, July 3 and Aug. 29. On May 22, a special bobble head doll honoring the 2014 Hall of Fame Braves of Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Bobby Cox will be given to the first 1000 fans.
“We will be giving away camo shirts on June 5th, which is a first for us,” says Dunn. “And Batman will be here for Superhero Night on May 23th, so that will be fun for the family.”
Atlanta Braves alumni will make an appearance on May 8 and there will be three post game concerts this season including Scott Thompson and Peachtree Station on May 9, The Tams on June 27, and Journey cover band Departure will follow the game on August 15.
“We have moved the start time of our Saturday games to 6 p.m. this year. So if games run late, families can still get home earlier than in previous seasons,” says Dunn. “This is a popular trend in the industry. We have more different games times this season than ever before to accommodate our fans.”
Weekday games will begin at 7 p.m. with the exception of a few day games starting at 1 p.m. Saturday games start at 6 p.m. and Sunday games at 2 p.m. New this year, adults will be able to ‘run the bases’ after games on Wednesdays and children will still be able to do so after Sunday games.
Fans will also see the Rome Braves’ new alternate logo throughout the stadium. The players will wear the new logo on Friday nights. “It will also evolve into other creative things,” says Dunn.
“Romey and Roxie got married in the off season, so we look forward as they build a family,” he adds.
Dunn is also looking forward to great things from the athletes this season.
“The team is coming together. There is a lot of competition for spots. We’ve got more at (Spring Training) camp than ever before. Our pitching is solid and our infield should be good…they had lots of success at Danville together last year. There are some great quality players to put in a Rome uniform,” he says.
Single game tickets go on sale this Saturday at the Braves ticket office at 9 a.m. For a complete list of games and promotions, visit www.romebraves.com.
