Countdown underway for Rocket City home opener against Birmingham

MADISON – Fresh off their first win of the season, the Rocket City Trash Pandas will open their fourth home season in their brief history this week with a six-game set against the Birmingham Barons at Toyota Field.

No doubt team faithful and fans in general are ready for some Double-A Southern League baseball. However, Mother Nature might have other ideas with high chances of rain in the forecast through Thursday.

Weather permitting, Rocket City (1-2) and Birmingham (3-0) will start the set Tuesday at 6:35. The Trash Pandas are an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and the Barons the Chicago White Sox.

The week also features the first round of rotating food specials:

• Dumpster Dive: Smoked Bologna BLT House Smoked Bologna, on a Lightly Toasted Brioche Bun, topped with Shredded Lettuce, Fried Green Tomatoes and finished with House made Roasted Garlic Aioli.
• Gravity Grille: Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger All Beef Angus Burger with Melted Cheddar Cheese, topped with Grilled Onions, Jalapenos and Crispy Bacon Strips, stuffed between Grilled Cheese Buns.
• All Stars: Peach Cobbler Funnel Cake Funnel Cake Stacked with Soft Serve Ice Cream, Peach Cobbler Filling and Streusel Topping.
• Bullpen Bar/Sprocket’s Grill: Buffalo Wild Dog All Beef Hot Dog on a Steamed Brioche Bun garnished with Crispy Bacon Crumbles, Diced Celery, Crumbled Moody Blue Cheese and Finished with House Made Garlic Buffalo Ranch.

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Tuesday 

• Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35. 
• Opening Night Festivities: Get to your seats early, as both teams will be introduced along the foul lines as part of the Opening Night festivities with a special ceremony beginning at 6:15 p.m.
• Magnet Schedule Giveaway: The first 3,000 fans will receive a 2024 Magnet Schedule, presented by Booz Allen Hamilton.
• Reeds Jewelers Ladies Night: Ladies have the chance to win great prizes throughout the game and all fans can enjoy $5 wine specials. 
• Opening Night Celebration Fireworks: Following the game, a dazzling fireworks display will light up the Rocket City sky, presented by Booz Allen Hamilton.

Wednesday

• Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
• Ben Joyce Bobblehead: It’s the first bobblehead giveaway of the season! The first 1,500 adults (18+) will receive a Ben Joyce Bobblehead sponsored by SportsMED
• Dog Day Wednesday: First of nine Dog Days this season. Fans can purchase $16 reserved tickets in Sections 1 and 2, as well as $8 tickets on the Berm to enjoy the game with their furry friend. A $1 donation per dog is required, benefiting a local animal non-profit.

Thursday

• Gates Open: Happy Hour gates will open at 5 p.m. VIP Gates open at 4:30 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
• Real Estate / Home Buyer Night- The first 1,000 kids aged 17 and under will receive a Trash Pandas Door Mat sponsored by Alabama Closing and Title. Visit the Real Estate Expo on the concourse throughout the game. Exhibits are just $250 and include a display table and 4 tickets to the game. Deadline to participate is April 8th. Contact [email protected] to book a spot.
• Extended Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. $3 domestic drafts available at the Inline Electric Rock Porch and the Banditos Bar in the Bill Penney Plaza.

Friday

• Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. 
• Friday Night Fireworks: Stick around after the game for a fireworks show that will light up the night at Toyota Field.

Saturday

• Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
• Saturday Night Fireworks: Fans of all ages can enjoy a post-game fireworks show sponsored by Inline Electric.

Sunday

• Gates Open: All gates will open at 1:30 p.m. VIP Gates open at 1 p.m. First pitch is at 2:35 p.m. 
• 4 x 4 Night: Decorate your vehicle and join in the pre-game parade around the warning track. Tickets are just $25 and include a reserved ticket, custom Trash Pandas Stone Car Coaster Set, and parade. More information and to purchase tickets: https://fevo.me/3PmsovA 
• Listerhill Credit Union Kids Run the Bases: All kids are invited to run the bases after the game.

Tickets for all 69 home games are on sale starting at $8 on tptix.com. If you can’t make the game, the Trash Pandas have a new radio affilitate – WZZN 97.7-HD2 “The Zone” and on the WZZN app.