OKC Dodgers Hosting "First Look Fan Fest" on March 28
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma City Dodgers will host "First Look Fan Fest" tomorrow, Saturday, March 28 from 12-3 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The free fan appreciation event is open to the public and is part of the team's "March to Opening Day" schedule.
As the OKC Dodgers get set to begin a new era of baseball in Oklahoma City, "First Look Fan Fest" will give fans the opportunity to see several changes that have recently taken place at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
"It is very important for us to host an event for our fans who continue to support us every year," said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. "This has been a fun off-season, and we're happy to welcome people back in the ballpark to show off all the hard work that has gone into getting ready for the 2015 season."
The event will feature appearances by former Dodgers players, including 1981 World Series MVP Ron Cey and Oklahoma City native Don Demeter. Former University of Oklahoma softball standout and USA National Softball Team member Destinee Martinez will also attend. Cey, Demeter, and Martinez will be all be available to meet fans and sign autographs from 1-2 p.m. in the Legends Lounge.
The festivities will also include behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark, giving fans special access to areas they normally cannot see, such as the home clubhouse. While visiting the clubhouse, fans of all ages can take batting practice in the team's indoor batting cages.
Now that the OKC Dodgers mascot naming contest has reached the finals, fans can cast their votes in person. Everyone who votes will be eligible to win an autographed baseball by Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and reigning NL MVP and Cy Young Award winner, Clayton Kershaw.
There will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including inflatable games and the chance for kids to try out the brand new playground on the right field concourse. Those who work up an appetite throughout the day will be able to sample new menu items slated to be served at the ballpark this season.
Fans will have the chance to purchase ticket packages and pick their seats for the season. Ticket representatives will be on hand to assist and answer any questions. The ticket office will be open to sell single-game tickets, and the OKC Dodgers Team Store will also be open for the duration of the event.
Two games that are part of the OKC Dodgers High School Baseball Series will coincide with "First Look Fan Fest", with Olive-Woodland starting at 11 a.m., and Turpin-Laverne following at 2 p.m.
Free parking will be available in the Joe Carter Lot, located behind right field at the northeast corner of Reno and Joe Carter Avenues.
The Oklahoma City Dodgers open the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark against the Round Rock Express at 7:05 p.m. For more information about "First Look Fan Fest" or the 2015 OKC Dodgers season, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-1000.
ABOUT THE ATTENDEES
Ron Cey played 17 seasons in the Major Leagues, including 12 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is entering his 34th season with the organization, including his 19th as a member of the front office. Affectionately known as "The Penguin", Cey was a six-time All-Star and retired as the Los Angeles Dodgers' all-time home run leader. He earned tri-MVP honors during the 1981 World Series, when the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees to claim the team's fifth World Championship.
Oklahoma City's own Don Demeter holds the distinction of playing for the Dodgers in both Brooklyn and Los Angeles during his 11-year MLB career. He was a key part of the Dodgers' 1959 World Series Championship, appearing in 139 games during that season. Demeter set a Major League record with 266 consecutive errorless games in the outfield-a mark that stood for nearly 30 years. He was born and raised in Oklahoma City and attended Capitol Hill High School and Oklahoma City University before starting his professional baseball career.
Destinee Martinez hit .340 over four seasons as an outfielder at the University of Oklahoma. She was a key member of the Sooners' 2013 National Championship and was named to the Women's College World Series Team in both 2012 and 2013. She ranks among the all-time leaders in OU history in at-bats (fourth), hits (fifth), runs (eighth), and stolen bases (eighth). The Corona, Calif. native was also a member of the 2014 USA National Softball Team.