Dragons Announce 2018 Entertainment Highlights and Special Events

Dayton, Ohio - Opening Night for the Dayton Dragons is set for Saturday, April 7th when they host the Bowling Green Hot Rods at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. The Dragons announced their 2018 Entertainment Highlights today.
Team Facts
The Dragons have sold out 1,246 consecutive regular season games at Fifth Third Field (every game in their 18-year history). This is the longest sell-out streak in sports history. The Dragons have led all of Single-A baseball in attendance for each of their 18 seasons of operation. 
Dragons Entertainment Highlights, 2018
The Dragons mascots, Heater and Gem, once again return for every game during the 2018 season. Other ballpark characters, Wink, ATMO and Roofman will perform at select games. Once again, the Dragons have put together an exciting lineup of entertainment acts focusing on family fun. 
The Dragons "Green Team" orchestrates a variety of hilarious family-friendly skits on the field and in the stands during games. Each year, new skits and contests are brainstormed throughout the off-season and the Green Team rehearses and perfects the skits during pre-season and in the afternoons prior to games. The Dragons promise many new on-field skits, scoreboard videos, and entertainment acts with a family-entertainment theme.
Popular On-Field Entertainment
The following signature elements of the Dragons experience will return for another season in 2018.
Toddler Races
Retirement Village People
Mini-Dugout Dancers
Dragons Drumline
Dragons Organist Jimmy Keys
Opening Day
The Dragons Opening Night game on April 7th will feature great entertainment for fans of all ages. The National Anthem will be performed by Yolanda Drake, winner of the Dayton Daily News national anthem contest. Ms. Drake has served as the opening act for musical legends like Chuck Berry and Sister Sledge and won the Dayton Soul Singer search to perform with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. She serves as the lead singer with LYD (Live Your Dream) and was selected from a group of more than 200 who auditioned to perform the National Anthem at Dragons games this season. Her husband, Lamar "Marty" Drake, serves as the other half of LYD.
Also on Opening Day:

• WPAFB Honor Guard presenting our nation's colors
• Dove Release after the National Anthem
• Skydivers from Team Fastrax
• Retirement Village People
• Dayton Dragons Drumline
• Shakertown Stompers

Mutts Gone Nuts, ZooperStars Headline 11 Nights of National Entertainers
National entertainment acts have been booked to perform at 11 Dragons games this season at Fifth Third Field. The special entertainment schedule includes the nationally-acclaimed comedy dog thrill show, Mutts Gone Nuts. The schedule includes the return to Fifth Third Field of the ZooperStars, a traditional favorite at Dragons games, and the Jesse White Tumblers, who will make two appearances. The schedule also includes the Xpogo Stunt Team, BirdZerd!, the Russian Bar Trio, and multiple appearances by Team Zoom Canine Entertainment. 
Mutts Gone Nuts features high flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and more. The act has appeared on the ABC Television program, The View. Recording artist Lee Greenwood called it "the funniest act I have ever worked with," while First Lady Barbara Bush said, "I laughed until I wept."
The Russian Bar Trio is an incredible high-flying act that has performed on Oprah, Ellen, and America's Got Talent. They will make their second appearance at Fifth Third Field on April 27.
The Jesse White Tumblers are known worldwide and have been performing since 1959. Their acrobatic show has been part of two Presidential Parades and has been seen in numerous NFL, NBA, and MLB stadiums. They will perform at Fifth Third Field on May 12 and again on August 24.
The Xpogo Stunt Team is the top pogo performance team in the world, flying nine feet in the air and engaging the crowd with flips and tricks. They will visit Fifth Third Field on May 18.
BirdZerk! is well-known for skits that revolve around pranks on players and umpires and acrobatic, synchronized dances. In 2008, BirdZerk! was named as the top minor league baseball promotional act by CNBC sports business columnist Darren Rovell. BirdZerk! will visit Fifth Third Field on June 9.
The ZOOperstars have become a fan favorite at Fifth Third Field based on past performances. These hilarious inflatable characters are based on sports figures with an animal resemblance, such as Clammy Sosa, Cow Ripken, and Ken Giraffey, Jr. The ZOOperstars will perform on June 10.
The Team Zoom Canine Entertainment group is a fan favorite at Fifth Third Field. These unbelievably athletic dogs will perform death-defying leaps and unique tricks at incredible speeds. They will perform four times this season at Fifth Third Field, entertaining Dragons fans on April 8, June 21, July 12, and August 30.
2018 Schedule of National Entertainment Acts at Fifth Third Field
Sunday, April 8: Team Zoom Canine Entertainment
Friday, April 27: Russian Bar Trio
Saturday, May 12: Jesse White Tumblers
Friday, May 18: Xpogo
Saturday, June 9: BirdZerk!
Sunday, June 10: ZOOperstars
Thursday, June 21: Team Zoom Canine Entertainment
Thursday, July 12: Team Zoom Canine Entertainment
Saturday, July 14: Mutts Gone Nuts
Friday, August 24: Jesse White Tumblers
Thursday, August 30: Team Zoom Canine Entertainment
AZEK Dragons Lair at Fifth Third Field
The AZEK Dragons Lair is a full-service group hospitality area at Fifth Third Field. The Dragons Lair experience features an all-inclusive ticket that includes a ballpark buffet and souvenirs. It comes with game tickets and a buffet featuring grilled hamburgers, all beef hot dogs, smoked pulled chicken, smoked pulled pork, mac and cheese, southern-style baked beans, watermelon, fresh-baked cookies, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. A cash beer and wine bar can be added. Everyone in the group also receives a Dragons hat and Dragons t-shirt. 
Wendy's Friends and Family "Dinner and a Show" Days/Nights
Wendy's Friends & Family "Dinner and a Show" Days and Nights at Fifth Third Field provide the best deal in town. Get a Dragons ticket, Wendy's meal voucher, and Dragons hat, a value of over $30. Cost of the package is just $16 for stadium seats, or $12 for lawn tickets. Plus, kids run the bases after every Friends and Family game. 
Friends and Family dates are:

• Sunday, April 8, 2pm (Team Zoom Canine Entertainment)
• Friday, April 27, 7pm (Russian Bar Trio)
• Saturday, May 12, 7pm (Jesse White Tumblers)
• Friday, May 18, 7pm (Xpogo)
• Saturday, June 9, 7pm (BirdZerk!)
• Sunday, June 10, 7pm (ZOOperstars)
• Thursday, July 12, 7pm (Team Zoom Canine Entertainment)
• Friday, August 24, 7pm (Jesse White Tumblers)
• Thursday, August 30, 7pm (Team Zoom Canine Entertainment)

Group ticket opportunities are also available through the Dragons, including luxury suites, seating in the brand new Dragons Lair, party decks, 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.

Family and Community Events at Fifth Third Field in 2018
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Overnighters are back at Fifth Third Field in 2018, set for Friday, May 11 and Friday, July 27. Local scouts spend the night at the ballpark and watch a movie on the video board.
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 April 18, May 30, June 27, July 11, and July 25.
Hometown Heroes Program
Five times during the 2018 baseball season, the Dragons will pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition and Leidos. There will be four special spotlights (April 11, May 8, June 24, and July 15) 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 18.
Community All-Stars
The Dragons partner with Vectren on the Community All-Stars Program, honoring individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve 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 appear on the field during a game with a tribute video telling their story. Dates are May 8, June 25, July 30, August 16, and August 27.
Yoga in the Outfield
The third annual "Yoga in the Outfield," presented by The Winery at Versailles, is August 9th at Fifth Third Field. Participants will take part in a light-hearted yoga class suitable for all levels and ages, led by Ignite Yoga.
Kids Run the Bases at every Sunday Game, Wendy's Friends and Family Dates
Following every Dragons Sunday game, kids can enter the playing field and run the bases. Dates are April 8, April 29, May 20, June 3, June 10, June 24, July 15, July 29, August 19, and August 26. All Sunday home games start at 2:00 p.m. Kids can also run the bases after every Wendy's Friends and Family date. These are April 8, April 27, May 12, May 18, June 9, June 10, July 12, August 24, and August 30.
High School Baseball
For the 13th consecutive season, the Dragons will play host to high school baseball, as 28 area high school teams will play regular season games at Fifth Third Field. The 15-game schedule runs throughout April and May. Admission is free, and concession stands will be open so that fans can enjoy a full day at the ballpark. The high schools are able to provide their own PA announcers, cheer squads, national anthem singers, and some schools even bring their own radio broadcasters to the ballpark. Participating high schools sell Dragons tickets to help raise money for their programs. 
Dragons 5k
On Saturday, July 21, the Dragons will host the annual 5k run sponsored by Orthopedic Associates of SW Ohio. Pre-registration is underway online at daytondragons.com/dragons5k. The race will begin at 8 a.m. and will conclude with a post-race party inside the stadium gates.
Bob Ross Classic High School All-Star Game
On Thursday, August 2, the 18th Annual Bob Ross Classic will be played at Fifth Third Field. The exhibition game showcases the best rising high school seniors from schools across the Miami Valley.
Great American Beer Tasting
On Saturday, August 11, Heidelberg Distributing presents The Great American Beer Tasting. This special event at Fifth Third Field is open to guests 21 and older. Tickets go on sale April 16 and free t-shirts will be given to those who RSVP before June 1! Heidelberg Distributing will have over 100 different beers available for sampling and all attendees will receive a custom 2018 GABT pint glass and raffle ticket for high-end Heidelberg Distributing and Dragons merchandise. Tickets will be available at the box office or online at daytondragons.com/beertasting.
Donatos Movie Night
Donatos Family Movie Night is Saturday, August 4 from 6-10pm at Fifth Third Field. Come enjoy "Shrek" on Fifth Third Field's giant HD video board. There will also be kids inflatables, entertainment skits, Dragons mascots, a raffle, Donatos Pizza, delicious ballpark food and more! Visit www.daytondragons.com/movienight for more information.
Mark Your Calendars!

• High School Baseball at Fifth Third Field. A 15-game schedule begins April 14, giving high school players throughout the Miami Valley the opportunity to play at a professional facility.
• Vectren Community All-Star Nights: May 8, June 25, July 30, August 16, August 27
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Run for Life: April 18, May 30, June 27, July 11, July 25
• Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Overnighters are back at Fifth Third Field. The two scout outings are scheduled for Friday, May 11, and Friday, July 27. Local scouts spend the night at the ballpark and watch a movie on the video board.
• In conjunction with the Dayton Development Coalition, Hometown Heroes nights return in 2018 as the Dragons will spend five game nights honoring our local servicemen and women. Game dates are Tuesday, May 8, Monday, June 25, Monday, July 30, Thursday, August 16, and Monday, August 27.
• Dragons Little Big Leagues Baseball Camps: June 25-26 & July 30-31 
• Dragons 5k sponsored by Orthopedic Associates of SW Ohio: July 21
• Bob Ross Classic High School All-Star Game: August 2
• Donatos Pizza Family Movie Night: August 4
• The third annual "Yoga in the Outfield" will take place at Fifth Third Field on Thursday, August 9.
• Great American Beer Tasting: August 11
• 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.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.
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