July 9th: Johnson City Wagon Wheels
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - One of the most popular songs in modern day music will come to life as the Johnson City Cardinals become the Johnson City Wagon Wheels on Saturday, July 9th.
Inspired by the famous song "Wagon Wheel" - originally released by Old Crow Medicine Show and subsequently covered by artists such as Darius Rucker and Mumford and Sons - the Cardinals will wear special Wagon Wheel themed jerseys and will have live music in the concourse pregame. Wagon Wheel types of food will be served in the concession stand and fans can take horse drawn wagon rides into the stadium.
After the game the jerseys will be auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds supporting The United Way of Washington County.
"Each year brings with it new opportunities to let our community know about the work of our agencies and the support provided, as they touch so many lives. The Wagon Wheel Night game partnership with the Johnson City Cardinals represents such an opportunity," added Lester Lattany, President and CEO of The Washington County United Way." This 2016 Campaign theme Strengthening our Community through Others allows all of us to look at how we can individually and collectively make Johnson City, Jonesborough, and all of Washington County a better place to live. Thank you for helping us bring awareness to circumstances in our community by letting us be a part of the Cardinals team for this night."
Johnson City, Tennessee has become synonymous for the song "Wagon Wheel" for the lyrics:
But he's a-heading west from the Cumberland gap
To Johnson City, Tennessee
Those lyrics have become ingrained in the culture in Johnson City, in part because of the geographic impossibility of doing so. To get to Johnson City from the Cumberland Gap, a person would have to travel west, not east.
"We're excited about this promotion, and it's unique in that it relates directly to the city of Johnson City," added Cardinals GM Tyler Parsons. "It's amazing to me how many people identify with Johnson City due to this song and it's almost impossible to go out around East Tennessee and not hear one version or another. It's going to be a fun night and will be for a great cause as we raise money for The United Way."
The Johnson City Cardinals have won three of the last six Appalachian League Championships and they kick off their 2016 season on June 26th when they host the Elizabethton Twins. Season tickets, mini-plans and single game tickets are now on sale, and fans can purchase them online at JCCardinals.com or calling 423-461-4866.