MADISON – Fair, and possibly some food fare, take on new meanings when the Rocket City Trash Pandas return home Tuesday to their second homestand of the season.
When the baseball team returns, an actual “rides-games-and-cotton-candy-and-funnel cake fair” will begin and overlap the last four games of a six-game series at Toyota Field. The Trash Pandas host the Knoxville Smokies all next week, and The Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair will is back in town April 25-May 5.
“It’s definitely a unique scenario since the fair hasn’t overlapped with games before, but it’s something that all of us as a staff here are very excited about,” Logan Bourandas, media relations associate for the Trash Pandas, told 256 Today. “We have a good plan put in place regarding parking, a shuttle system and just the overall partnership we have with the fair.”
The Trash Pandas ran their record to 7-5 as pitcher Michael Darrell-Hicks picked up his third win of the young season Thursday in a 5-3 victory over Pensacola. It was Rocket City’s third-straight win. Last week, the Trash Pandas took their first series of the season by defeating Birmingham four games to two.
“The opening homestand went really well,” Bourandas said. “The first few days had its challenges with the weather but once we got through that, things went really smoothly, especially for a first homestand of the season.”
Free parking for the Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair for April 25-28 will be available at Hexagon on Intergraph Way in Madison, less than two miles away from Toyota Field. Guests who are only attending the fair should park there, where there will be shuttle buses running continuously back and forth for pickup and dropoff.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PARKING MAP FOR APRIL 25-28.
For guests being dropped off and picked up directly at the fair via car, that spot will be at the intersection of Town Madison Blvd and Stadium Way. For the remainder of the dates (April 29 to May 5), fair parking is $10 per vehicle on-site at Toyota Field. There will not be any parking at Hexagon on those days.
Fans with tickets to a Trash Pandas game on those nights will also receive free admission to the fair on that same day. However, guests at the fair do not automatically have admission into the baseball games. Trash Pandas tickets can be purchased at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office.
ALL DETAILS ABOUT THE FAIR CAN BE FOUND HERE.
TRASH PANDAS HOMESTAND VS. TENNESSEE SMOKIES
- April 23
Gates Open: All gates will open at 5 p.m. VIP Gates open at 4:30. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.
Reeds Jewelers Ladies Night: Ladies have the chance to win great prizes throughout the game and all fans can enjoy $5 wine specials.
Reading Program Redemption Day: This is the first of three games where fans who have completed the Reading with Sprocket program can earn a free ticket to the game. - April 24
Gates Open: All gates will open at 9:30 a.m. First pitch is at 11:05 a.m.
Education Day: This will be the first of two Education Days throughout the season.
Award Presentation: Trash Pandas outfielder Nelson Rada will be presented with his 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove Award before the game. - April 25
Gates Open: All gates will open at 5 p.m. VIP Gates open at 4:30 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
Dance Night: Pregame performances from local groups on the field.
Big ‘Ol Ballpark Fair: This will be the first night of the Big ‘Ol Ballpark Fair. All fans with tickets to a Trash Pandas game will be given free entry to the fair.
Extended Happy Hour: Fans 21 and older can get $3 domestic drafts from 5-7 p.m., available at the Inline Electric Rock Porch and the Fueling Station next to Bandito’s in the Bill Penney Plaza.
T-Shirt Giveaway: The first 1,500 adults (18+) will be given a free “Raise The Roof” T-Shirt presented by Storm Guard Roofing. - April 26
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, presented by Huntsville Utilities.
’80s Night: Get a blast from the past as all fans are encouraged to dress in ’80s attire. A group of Ghostbusters will be in the stadium that night for photo opportunities and more.
Utility Worker Appreciation Night: Utility workers from five different companies will be honored prior to the game.
Big ‘Ol Ballpark Fair: All fans with tickets to a Trash Pandas game will be given free entry to the fair. - April 27
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, presented by Booz Allen Hamilton.
Meridianville Athletic Association Parade: A parade featuring more than 130 players will take place before the game.
Big ‘Ol Ballpark Fair: All fans with tickets to a Trash Pandas game will be given free entry to the fair.
- April 28
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.
Big ‘Ol Ballpark Fair: All fans with tickets to a Trash Pandas game will be given free entry to the fair.
Kids Run the Bases: All kids are invited to run the bases after the game, presented by Listerhill Credit Union!The second round of rotating food specials at our different concession options (while supplies last):
Dumpster Dive: Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich Seasoned & Seared Shaved Prime Rib, topped with Smoked Melted Provolone, drizzled with House Made Horseradish Aioli on a Lightly Toasted Amorosa Bun
Gravity Grill: The Long Haul Footlong All Beef Corndog, Fried Golden Brown, split lengthwise and filled with House Made Chili, Shredded Cheddar Cheese and finished with Diced White Onions
All Stars: Bacon Wrapped Pretzel Sticks; Bavarian Pretzel Sticks Wrapped in Bacon
Sprocket’s Grill: Early Riser Eat Your Opponent Dog Smoked and Grilled Conecuh Sausage on a Lightly Toasted Bun, topped with American Cheese, House Made Sausage Gravy, 2 Fried Eggs, Crispy Bacon Crumbles, and drizzled with Hot Sauce
Tickets for all Trash Pandas home games are on sale now starting at just $8 on tptix.com. Also, events at Toyota Field and tickets for current and future Trash Pandas ticket buyers can do so on the Clutch! travel and entertainment app.
Additionally, fans can stay up to date with all 138 Trash Pandas games on the club’s new radio station, WZZN 97.7-HD2, and download the WZZN app to take games anywhere.
*All promotions are subject to change at any time, and certain promotions are weather permitting.
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