Smokies Start Home Series on Wednesday
SEVIERVILLE - The Tennessee Smokies will return home to Smokies Stadium to kickoff a five-game homestand on Wednesday, May 4, against the Mississippi Braves, the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Among the highlights for the thrilling homestand are postgame fireworks on Friday and Saturday night, a Boy Scout Camp Out on Friday evening, Blue & Green Night with Operation-themed uniforms on Saturday and a Mother's Day blanket giveaway on Sunday afternoon.
It all starts with a Smoky Mountain Popcorn All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday on Wednesday, May 4. For less than $25 dollars a person, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, baked beans, potato chips, ice cream sandwiches and Pepsi products. Wednesday night will also be the Smokies' annual Peanut Free Night contest presented by the Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.
Thursday night, May 5 will be a Coors Light Thirsty Thursday. Fans will be able to enjoy drink specials throughout the evening. Patrons can purchase draft beers and soft drinks for as low as just $1 dollar to celebrate the upcoming weekend. It will be Cinco de Mayo at that ballpark featuring special on-field games and music. Thursday's contest will get underway at 7:05 p.m.
Friday evening, May 6 features a plethora of promotions. It will be one of the Smokies' two Scout Nights, as Boy Scouts in attendance will have the opportunity to camp out on the Smokies Stadium field following the game. Following Friday's contest will be a fantastic Fireworks Show presented by Pepsi, Coors Light, WIVK, WVLT and the Knoxville News Sentinel. It will also be Superhero Night at the ballpark presented by CW20. Fans are encouraged to show up to the game in their favorite superhero garb, as the contest will feature special on-field games, music, videoboard graphics and special apperances by Spiderman, Captain America, Green Arrow, The Flash and others. Finally, all fans ages 13 and under will receive a special Smokey Bear Baseball Giveaway sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and the Cherokee National Forest. The matchup will get underway at 7:05 p.m.
It will be Blue & Green Night in Sevierville on Saturday, May 7, as the Smokies honor the hard work put in daily by doctors and nurses. As a part of the celebration, Tennessee will wear special Operation-themed uniforms that will be auctioned off during the game. Following the final out, fans can enjoy another spectacular Fireworks Display presented by Alzheimer's Tennessee. The game on Saturday evening will kick off at 7:05 p.m.
The homestand wraps up on Sunday, May 8. As a part of the organization's Mother Day festivites, the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Blanket Giveaway courtesy of U.S. Cellular, FOX 43 and the Knoxville News Sentinel. As well, the first 100 mom's in attendance will receive a flower from Fan Assistance. Like all Sunday contests, it will also be a U.S. Cellular Family FUNday. Fans will able to take advantage of a special ticket package that includes four tickets, four meal vouchers and two Kids Zone wristbands for only $48 dollars. Sunday's matinee is scheduled for a 2:05 p.m. first pitch.
Tickets for all five games of Tennessee's contests are still available, and can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Wednesday: RHP Andrew Thurman (0-2, 7.82 ERA) vs. LHP Rob Zastryzny (2-1, 4.34 ERA)
Thursday: RHP Chris Ellis (3-0, 1.84 ERA) vs. RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (0-0, 2.25 ERA)
Friday: LHP Sean Newcomb (1-1, 2.84 ERA) vs. RHP Paul Blackburn (3-0, 0.29 ERA)
Saturday: RHP Rob Whalen (1-3, 4.26 ERA) vs. RHP Tyler Skulina (1-2, 4.07 ERA)
Thursday: RHP Brandon Barker (3-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. RHP Jen-Ho Tseng (1-2, 5.12 ERA)
Smokies Radio Broadcasts
Wednesday: Sports Radio WNML (99.1 FM & AM 990), smokiesbaseball.com, TuneIn & MiLB First Pitch apps.
Thursday: Sports Radio WNML (99.1 FM & AM 990), smokiesbaseball.com, TuneIn & MiLB First Pitch apps.
Friday: Online Only (smokiesbaseball.com or via the TuneIn and MiLB First Pitch apps)
Saturday: Sports Radio WNML (99.1 FM & AM 990), smokiesbaseball.com, TuneIn & MiLB First Pitch apps.
Sunday: Online Only (smokiesbaseball.com or via the TuneIn and MiLB First Pitch apps)
ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES
The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America's national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.