Opening Day just days away for RoughRiders

FRISCO, TEXAS (APRIL 2, 2015) - A new era for the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, officially begins in just days when the club commences the 2015 season at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The RoughRiders will debut their new logos, uniforms and numerous dazzling ballpark additions on Opening Day, Thursday, April 9 at 7:05 p.m. when they start their 13th season against the Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim affiliate). The gates at Dr Pepper Ballpark will open to the general public at 6 p.m. on game day.

The home opener promises to be a momentous night in the history of the Frisco RoughRiders, and it begins a six-game, season-opening home stand. Following the three game set against Arkansas (April 9 - 11), the Riders will host the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (affiliated with the Kansas City Royals) from April 12 - 14 at Dr Pepper Ballpark. All six games will be jam-packed with either fireworks, giveaways, fun theme nights or food and ticket specials.

Earlier this week, the Riders' Opening Day roster was announced and it includes the top five Texas Rangers prospects, according to Baseball America. The group is headlined by the Rangers' 2014 Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year Joey Gallo and Rockwall, Texas native Jake Thompson. The talent-laden roster will be led by manager and Keller, Texas resident Joe Mikulik, who aims to helm the Riders to the postseason for the ninth time in franchise history.

The promotional schedule for the first home stand of the 2015 season includes:

Thursday, April 9 (7:05 p.m.) vs. Arkansas Travelers

• Thirsty Thursday - $1 domestic beers, $2 import and craft beers, $1 Dr Pepper products from 6-8 p.m.
• Groovy Grubesday - DFW social media legend serves as house DJ & Ambassador of Fun
• Dr Pepper 4 for $44 Night - Four (4) tickets, four (4) Dr Pepper products & four (4) hot dogs for $44
• Appearance by Captain (Texas Rangers mascot)
• 2015 schedule magnet giveaway (first 3,500 fans)
• Post-Game Fireworks - Spectacular post-game fireworks show set to baseball-themed music

Friday, April 10 (7:05 p.m.) vs. Arkansas Travelers

• Fireworks Friday - Spectacular post-game fireworks show set to music from the King of Pop, Michael Jackson

Saturday, April 11 (7:05 p.m.) vs. Arkansas Travelers

• Bark in the Park - Fans may bring their dog to the game (on grass berm only). 
• Riders dog bandana giveaway (First 500 dogs)
• Saturday Night Post-Game Party - Post-game concert featuring a local band (Sports Bar & State Fairway will remain open after the game)
• Kids Run the Bases after the game

Sunday, April 12 (4:05 p.m.) vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals

• Kids Sunday Funday -Pre-game Youth Baseball Clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (free with a game ticket for kids 6-to-12-years-old)
• Pre-game catch on the field for kids and their parents/guardians (up to 35 minutes prior to first pitch)
• $1 Ice Cream Sandwiches all game
• Kids Run the Bases after the game

Monday, April 13 (7:05 p.m.) vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals

• Big Money Monday - One fan in attendance each Monday will be selected as the RoughRiders' "Big Money" contestant with a chance to win a big money jackpot based on either a game situation or a game of chance. 
• Kids Run the Bases after the game

Tuesday, April 14 (11:05 a.m.) vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals

• Taco Tuesday - $2 tacos available at concessions stands all game long
• Select $3 beers available from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Half-price margaritas available from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Kids Run the Bases after the game

Single-game tickets for the Riders' 2015 season are on sale now at the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office, at www.RidersBaseball.com and by calling (972) 731-9200.