What's Hot with the Dragons in 2019
Dayton, Ohio - The 2019 season is the Dayton Dragons 20th year at Fifth Third Field. The season will celebrate the Dragons rich history and bring many new elements to the ballpark. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem, the Green Team, and team characters Roofman, Wink, and ATMO are all back
Dayton, Ohio - The 2019 season is the Dayton Dragons 20th year at Fifth Third Field. The season will celebrate the Dragons rich history and bring many new elements to the ballpark. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem, the Green Team, and team characters Roofman, Wink, and ATMO are all back for the 2019 season as the Dragons continue their focus on great professional baseball, affordable family fun, unsurpassed customer service, and community involvement.
Dragons 20th Season Celebration Game
The Dragons will kick-off their historic season with their "20th Season Celebration Game" on March 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. The game will match the 2019 Dragons ("Team 20") against a team of Dragons alumni who are still playing in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system. Former Dragons coaches Ken Griffey Sr. and Tom Browning along with former Dragons players Austin Kearns,
Additional information on the Dragons 20th Season celebration including videos on the 20 Greatest Dragons, special 20th Season merchandise, and Dragons alumni listings is available here: https://www.milb.com/dayton/team/20.
Opening Night
Opening Night for the Dragons is Thursday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Skydivers from Team Fastrax will land on the playing field to signify the beginning of another year of Dragons baseball. The national anthem will be performed by the Miamisburg High School Madrigal Singers, winner of the Dayton Daily News national anthem contest. There will also be performances from the Shakertown Stompers on the plaza, and the Mini Dugout Dancers prior to and during the game.
The Dragons entertainment department will usher in a brand new selection of contests, skits, and videos that will entertain the whole family. The Green Team will continue to be a big part of Dragons baseball in 2019.
New at Fifth Third Field in 2019
The Dragons Zone
Fifth Third Field features the new "Dragons Zone" behind the centerfield fence. This large, kid-friendly area will feature an assortment of face painting, special activities, and carnival games including Skee Roll, Bull Ringer, and Lily Pad Launcher, Pop-a-Shot, Duck Pond, and more. All games are each $1.00 with the opportunity to win a variety of prizes - big and small. Throughout the season, fans can find fun and unique activities during weekend games. Opening Day will feature Green Team members providing balloon animals for fans. Other activities include glitter tattoos, colorful hair spray, air brush tattoos, and more. Check daytondragons.com/dragonszone for more information and activities throughout the season.
New "Dog House" Concession Stand and Sam Adams Pub
The Dragons and Pro Sports Catering have added a new concession stand next to the Sam Adams Pub on the first base side called the "Dog House." It will feature four new giant Hot Dogs including a Mac-N-Cheese Dog, a BBQ Dog with pulled pork from the in-house smoker, a spicy Dragon Dog, and a Gyro Dog. Other hot dog items will be featured by home stand.
Also new in 2019, the ballpark will feature the Bill's Lemonade Cart, with giant, fresh-squeezed lemonade with only 80 calories; a giant souvenir popcorn bucket that is refillable for only $2.00; and new smaller sizes of draft beer will be available to provide better value.
Improvements to Fifth Third Café
The Dragons have teamed up with AZEK Building Products to bring a new look to the popular Fifth Third Café for the 2019 season. An AZEK Paver system was installed as a new flooring surface in the cafe. AZEK Pavers are made of up to 95% post-consumer recycled materials, with the added strength of a composite and a natural appearance that resists scratches and stains. They are lightweight, colorful, and durable.
Hall-of-Fame Display on Suite Level
A new display courtesy of the Cincinnati Reds Hall-of-Fame has been added on suite level at Fifth Third Field, featuring memorabilia from former Dragons who have played for the Reds. The actual home plate from the 2015 MLB All-Star Game "Home Run Derby" autographed by the winner of the event, former Dragon
20th Season Signage & Video
Fans will enjoy a new game-opening video for each Dragons game capturing the spirit of the Dragons 20-year history. The playing field and outfield fence will also feature new 20th Season logos.
Additional New Concourse Player Banners Showcase Dragons History
The Dragons have doubled the number of historic Player Banners on the main concourse at Fifth Third Field. Forty-four (44) banners depicting players or great moments in Dragons history are now featured.
New Bar Ledges in Multiple Locations
The Dragons and AZEK have also partnered to install new bar ledges on the first and third base side of the ballpark, as well as behind Party Deck C beyond center field.
Six Fireworks Shows
The Dragons will conduct six fireworks shows during the 2019 season, presented by Associated Builders and Contractors. Fireworks can be enjoyed following games on Saturday, April 27, Saturday, May 11, Saturday, June 1, Friday, June 21, Saturday, August 10, and Saturday, August 31. Fans are also invited to attend the Dragons game on Wednesday, July 3 and enjoy the City of Dayton's annual Fireworks Spectacular after the game at 10:00 p.m.
CareSource's Veteran Salute Program
CareSource's Veteran Salute program highlights five veteran's stories during the course of each season. Veterans who are chosen are honored at a Dragons game with an in-game ceremony and provided with VIP treatment during their special night. Dates are April 28, May 23, June 21, July 3, and August 10.
New Double-Sized Luxury Suite
The Dragons have combined suites 1 and 2 at Fifth Third Field into a reconstructed suite that is twice the size as the previous suites. The new suite will accommodate larger numbers of fans for games and events.
Upgrades to Dragons Training Room
The training room at Fifth Third Field will feature new flooring, cabinetry, and a renovated look with logo and art work.
Renovated Customer Service Booth
The customer service booth will feature new cabinets, countertop, and additional storage for fan items.
More Dragons Info for 2019
Dragons Telecasts on Dayton's CW
Dayton's CW (WBDT-TV) and the Dragons will broadcast 25 Dragons home games during the 2019 season from Fifth Third Field. The TV schedule begins on Friday, April 5. Every Saturday and Sunday Dragons home game in 2019 will be televised along with three Friday night games. All games will be broadcast live and in high definition on the following outlets, reaching approximately 500,000 households and over 1.2 million potential viewers in a 10-county area.
- Over the air Channel 26.1
- Spectrum Channels 13 and 1013
- DIRECTV and DISH Network Channel 26
Dragons Director of Broadcasting Tom Nichols will handle the play-by-play on all telecasts. WDTN-TV Sports Director Jack Pohl will provide color commentary on Saturday and Sunday telecasts as well as April 5, while WDTN-TV weekend sports anchor Hutch Konerman will work the remaining Friday telecasts. The broadcasts will feature state-of-the-art high definition production quality with seven camera positions, slow-motion replays, player interview clips and the Dragons award-winning information graphics package.
Dragons in the Community
Dragons MVP Program
The Dragons elementary school MVP Program includes over 1,100 fourth and fifth grade classrooms in approximately 200 schools in 50 school districts. About 35,000 children participate. The program is in its 14th year in 2019. The Dragons MVP Program is made possible by the generous support of Ohio's 529 Plan, the Dayton Dragons Foundation, Panera Bread, WDTN TV, and Dayton's CW. The program is completely free of charge to the schools. The teacher in each of the classrooms selects five MVP's based on the teacher's judgment of performance, effort, citizenship, and improvement. The five MVPs receive four tickets to a Dragons game, tickets to a special Field Day event at the stadium during the season, an MVP certificate, and a Dragons MVP hat. Dragons players and mascots visit selected classrooms over the course of the season.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Run for Life
The Dragons and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have teamed up for their 13th year to showcase the "Home Run for Life" program. This program honors individuals who have shown tremendous strength and courage in fighting serious illnesses. Anthem Home Run for Life nights are May 8, May 29, June 12, July 3, and August 22.
Hometown Heroes Program
Five times during the 2019 baseball season, the Dragons will partner with the Dayton Development Coalition, SRC, Inc., TACG, and Reynolds & Reynolds for a season-long tribute to all service men and women past and present. There will be four special spotlights (April 12, May 22, June 23, and July 11) that will each highlight a different aspect or organization involved in the military. The season-long celebration will wrap up with a Celebration Night on August 10.
Community All-Stars
The Dragons partner with Vectren and Flying Ace Express Car Wash on the Community All-Stars Program, honoring Dayton's best individuals and organizations that are improving the quality of life in the Miami Valley. From fire fighters to first responders to volunteers and good Samaritans, the Dragons will honor five. These honorees will be highlighted during a game with a tribute video telling their story. Dates are April 16, May 21, June 10, July 25, and August 22.
CareSource Veteran Salute Program
CareSource's Veteran Salute program is new in 2019. See details in the first section above.
Top Teacher Award presented by Wright State University CEHS
The "Top Teacher" award, presented by Wright State University College of Education and Human Services, will return as part of the Dragons MVP Program for 2019. Three teachers who participated in the MVP Program will be selected, and they will be honored during a special inning break of a Dragons game for their accomplishments in their classroom and community. "Top Teacher" honorees will be recognized in the Play Ball game program, Dayton Daily News, radio commercials, and social media posts.
Kids Run the Bases at every Sunday game, every Wendy's Friends & Family Date
Following every Dragons Sunday game, kids can enter the playing field and run the bases. Dates are April 14, April 28, June 2, June 9, June 23, July 7, July 14, August 4, August 11, and September 1. All Sunday home games start at 2:00 p.m. Kids can also run the bases at every 2019 Wendy's Friends and Family date (see list in Ticket Information section below).
Yoga in the Outfield
The fourth annual "Yoga in the Outfield" will be held on Sunday, July 28 at Fifth Third Field. Participants will take part in a light-hearted yoga class suitable for all levels and ages, led by Ignite Yoga.
Family and Community Events at Fifth Third Field in 2019
Multi-Date Events:
- High School Baseball at Fifth Third Field. A 20-game schedule begins April 7, giving high school players throughout the Miami Valley the opportunity to play at a professional facility.
- Post-Game Fireworks, presented by Associated Builders and Contractors: April 27, May 11, June 1, June 21, August 10, August 31.
- Dragons Community All-Star Nights: April 16, May 21, June 10, July 25, and August 22.
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Run for Life: May 8, May 29, June 12, July 3, and August 22.
- Hometown Heroes: April 12, May 22, June 23, July 11, and August 10.
- CareSource's Veteran Salute: April 28, May 23, June 21, July 3, and August 10.
- Bike/Carpool to the Dragons Game: April 28, June 23, July 14, August 11.
- Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts Overnighters: May 31 & July 12
- Little Big Leagues Baseball Camps presented by IGS Energy: June 10-11; July 25-26
- Kroger Baseball Buddies! Kids 7-13 can go to local Kroger store to sign up for a chance to be a Kroger Baseball Buddy. Those picked will get a Dragons items, including an authentic Dragons jersey and will get to hang out with the players in the dug-out before the game.
Single-Date Events:
- Kettering Health Network Strike Out Stroke Night: May 9
- Girls on the Run 5K: May 11
- Walk to End Epilepsy: May 18
- Defeating Cancer Night: June 7
- Vintage Baseball Classic: June 22
- Kettering Health Network Public Safety Day: July 14
- Dragons 5K: July 20
- Yoga in the Outfield: July 28
- Bob Ross Classic, presented by Bob Ross Auto Group: August 8
- Kettering Health Network Breast Cancer Awareness Day: August 11
- Great American Beer Tasting presented by Heidelberg Distributing: August 17
- Dontatos Pizza Family Movie Night: August 24
Ticket Information
Dragons Season Tickets
The Dragons most popular season ticket package features 17 games over the course of the season. Fans can also purchase a 35 or 9-game plan as well as a five-game plan. With all packages, ticket holders will be assigned a Dragons marketing manager as their contact person with the organization to provide assistance throughout the year. Tickets start at $12.75 per game. Fans can reserve a package and take advantage of a flexible payment plan. Purchasers of the new plan will receive special Dragons limited edition season ticketholder gifts on specific giveaway nights. All season ticket packages qualify the purchaser to receive a
Wendy's Friends and Family
Dragons Wendy's Friends & Family program include "Dinner and a Show" at Fifth Third Field and provides the best deal in town. Get a Dragons ticket, Wendy's 4 for $4 meal voucher, and Dragons hat - a $38 value for as low as $12. Cost of the package is just $18 for stadium seats or $12 for lawn tickets. Each Wendy's Friends and Family date is scheduled on a day or night that features a special entertainment act at Fifth Third Field.
Friends and Family dates are:
- Friday, April 26, 7pm (Russian Bar Trio)
- Thursday, May 23, 7pm (Team Zoom Canine Entertainment)
- Thursday, May 30, 7pm (Team Zoom Canine Entertainment)
- Sunday, June 2, 2pm (Mutts Gone Nuts)
- Saturday, June 8, 7pm (Jesse White Tumblers)
- Saturday, July 6, 7pm (Amazing Tyler)
- Sunday, August 11, 2pm (Xpogo)
- Friday, August 23, 7pm (ZOOperstars)
Dragons Kids Club is Back
For the seventh straight year, young Dragons fans can join the Frisch's Dragons Kids Club. For just $19.99, members receive two Dragons game tickets, a Dragons jersey, Dragons backpack, Dragons hat, a gift card for a free mini-meal at participating Frisch's Big Boy locations, an invitation for two to an exclusive Kids Club Movie Night, two Dragons Zone passes, and entry into monthly prize drawings.
Group Ticket Options
Group ticket opportunities are also available through the Dragons, including luxury suites, party decks, seating in the Azek Dragons Lair, on the third base side, and on the Lawn at Fifth Third Field. Special benefits are available for groups of 10 to 1,000 fans.
Bring Your Little League to Fifth Third Field
Little League outings at Fifth Third Field offer a unique experience to young players throughout the Miami Valley. Starting at just $6.00 a person, your Little League could participate in a pre-game parade, presented by IGS Energy, at Fifth Third Field.
Single-Game Tickets
Single game tickets for the 2019 season are on sale now at the Dragons Box Office located next to the main entry gates at Fifth Third Field. The box office is open throughout the season from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. On weekend game dates, the box office will open at 12:00 noon and close following the game. The Box Office will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays when the team is on the road. Single-game tickets can be purchased in person, at the Dragons box office, any Miami Valley Kroger store that is a Ticketmaster outlet; other Ticketmaster locations; online at daytondragons.com; or by phone by calling the Dragons Box office at (937) 228-2287 or Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at (937) 228-2323.
Dragons on The Field
Luis Bolivar, a former Dragons player, returns for his third season as the Dragons manager in 2019. Joining Bolivar on the Dragons 2019 coaching staff will be pitching coach Seth Etherton, hitting coach Mike Devereaux, bench coach Kevin Mahar, trainer Andrew Cleves, and strength/conditioning coach Justin Bucko.
The Dragons 2019 25-man roster is expected to be announced on Tuesday, April 2. A total of 97 former Dragons players have reached the Major Leagues, including all-stars Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto, Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, Adam Dunn, and Zack Cozart.
Dragons On Radio
Fox Sports 980 (WONE) is the flagship station for Dragons radio broadcasts. Games can also be heard at www.daytondragons.com and on HD Radio on 104.7 WTUI HD 2. Dragons play-by-play announcer <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tom Nichols returns for his 32nd season in professional baseball and 12th year with the Dragons. Josh Hess joins Nichols in the booth for his second season with the Dragons in 2019.
###