IronPigs Unveil 2015 Schedule
A Thursday night opener on April 9 at 7:05 p.m. against the Pawtucket Red Sox, 47 games during the prime summer months of June-Sept. as well as 34 games tabbed for either a Friday, Saturday or Sunday highlights the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 2015 home schedule, the club announced on Monday.
The eighth season in club history debuts Thursday, April 9 with the IronPigs home opener against the Pawtucket Red Sox to kick off a seven-game homestand which also includes games against the Syracuse Chiefs.
The 144-game schedule once again features 72 home games at Coca-Cola Park although 50 of those dates occur during the traditional summer season that begins with Memorial Day weekend. The home schedule coincides with a number of celebrated summer holidays, including Mother's Day (May 10), Memorial Day weekend (May 22-24), Father's Day (June 21), the week leading up to Independence Day (June 26-July 3) and Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4-7).
The IronPigs host their biggest rival Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate, for a total of eight games beginning with a three-game series, June 19-21. The teams will also square off at Coca-Cola Park for a three-game series June 29-July 1 and for a brief two-game set, July 29-30. The winner of the annual series between the IronPigs and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders captures the IronRail Trophy along with a number of other unique bragging rights and incentives.
Due to a new scheduled format in 2015, the Pawtucket Red Sox, Boston's top Minor League affiliate, will play a total of ten games at Coca-Cola Park with series scheduled for April 9-12, July 7-9 and August 14-16.
For those interested in weekend baseball, the IronPigs will host 12 Friday games, 11 Saturday games and 11 Sunday games in 2015 for a total of 34 contests which represents a two game increase over their 2014 weekend home schedule.
The 2014 slate takes a three-day hiatus July 13-15 for the annual Triple-A All-Star game between the International League and Pacific Coast League. The 2015 game will be held in Omaha, Neb. on July 15.
Coca-Cola Park will also play host to the "222 Showcase" - an annual exhibition game between the IronPigs and Reading Fightin' Phillies - on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:35 p.m. as well as the 2nd annual "Fourth on the Field" on Saturday, July 4 featuring a massive fireworks display, mouth-watering food options from the local and regional food truck community along with live music and family-friendly entertainment
With a slightly altered scheduling format in 2015, the IronPigs will play each team in their division (The North Divison) either 17 or 18 times and teams in the South and West Division anywhere from six to eight times. Lehigh Valley's North Division opponents are the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto), Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston), Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota), Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York-A) and the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington). Teams in the South Division are the Charlotte Knights (Chicago-A), Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay), Norfolk Tides (Baltimore) and Gwinnett Braves (Atlanta). The West Division consists of the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland), Louisville Bats (Cincinnati), Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh) and Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit).
Monday through Friday games remain predominately scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with exceptions for Education Day #1 on April 15 (10:35 a.m.), Education Day #2 (April 30), Education Day #3 (May 13) and Camp Day on July 21 (11:35 a.m.). Saturday games are still set for 6:35 p.m. and Sunday games are scheduled for 1:35 p.m.
The 2015 ticket plan renewal process is currently underway. Those interested in purchasing a new full season, 36-game or 18-game ticket package for the 2015 campaign may call (610) 841-PIGS (7447) for more information or to secure their plan today.
The 2015 IronPigs baseball season is presented by Capital BlueCross.