Four More Games! Squirrels Host First Ever Yard Goat Series
Richmond, Va - The Richmond Flying Squirrels in conjunction with the Hartford Yard Goats and Eastern League of Professional Baseball have announced that due to uncertainty regarding the availability of the new ballpark in Hartford Connecticut, the first four-game series of the season will be played at The Diamond in Richmond instead of the scheduled Hartford destination. The series now runs from April 7th-9th and will kick off an action-packed entertainment week in Richmond that includes a doubleheader on Saturday April 9th beginning at 2:05 PM soon after the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K finishes. These additional four games have allowed the Squirrels and Sports Backers to work in unison to bring as much sports and family entertainment to the Boulevard as possible. An initial schedule of the game times and dates can be found below with additional promotional information coming soon. The Flying Squirrels home opener will still be played as scheduled on April 14th against Altoona.
"Our actual home opener is still set for April 14th," said Squirrels VP & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "However, this unique situation allows us to work closely with our friends at Sports Backers to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our fans and the City of Richmond."
Opening Week Revised Schedule is as follows:
Thursday, April 7: Richmond vs. Hartford 1:05 PM - The Diamond, Opening Day for Yard Goats
Friday, April 8: Richmond vs. Hartford 7:35 PM - The Diamond
Saturday, April 9: Richmond vs. Hartford 2:05 PM Doubleheader - The Diamond
Sunday, April 10 OFF DAY
Monday April 11-13 (as initially scheduled) Richmond @ Reading, PA vs. Fightin Phils
Thursday, April 14th (as initially scheduled) Richmond vs. Altoona 6:35 PM - The Diamond Opening Night
"The spring celebration of sports in Richmond will kick off with a bang in 2016 with the Flying Squirrels and Sports Backers combining forces on the Boulevard to have 3 days of non-stop sports, fitness, fun and baseball. Our signature event, the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k brings 30,000 runners and walkers not only to Monument Avenue on April 9 but also to the Anthem Health and Fitness Expo to the Ashe Center on April 7-8," said Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of the Sports Backers.
He added, "Fortunately, we work so closely with our friends at the Flying Squirrels that having to move their away games with Hartford here to Richmond at the same time as our biggest event has become a unique opportunity for our organizations to work together to produce an amazing show. We are proud of the way our two organizations instantly rolled up our sleeves and worked out a great three days of fun for Richmond."
About Sports Backers
Sports Backers is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a more active community. Sports Backers produces nationally recognized quality sporting events and programs that motivate residents and visitors alike to be more active, supports youth running and fitness programs, and advocates for safe and connected networks of bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Learn more at www.sportsbackers.org.
The Flying Squirrels are active within the community all year long and will be hosting their 6th annual Charity Hot Stove Banquet on January 21st at the Siegel Center. Table Sponsorships and tickets for the event are available by calling the Flying Squirrels at (804) 359-3866. The Flying Squirrels 2016 home schedule begins April 14th at 6:35PM against the Altoona Curve. Season tickets, mini plans and group packages are currently available by contacting the box office at 804-359-FUNN or online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com.