RubberDucks Announce 2017 Home Schedule
(AKRON, OHIO) July 21, 2016 - The Akron RubberDucks, Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, announced its 2017 home schedule today, which features 70 dates at Canal Park, starting with the home opener on Thursday, April 6 vs. Bowie Baysox at 6:35 p.m. The franchise's 21st season in Akron and 20th year in Canal Park kicks off with a seven-game homestand from April 6-12 against Bowie and the Trenton Thunder.
The 70-game home schedule features 11 Friday, 11 Saturday, and 11 Sunday home games. Akron will be home for three holidays-- Memorial Day (May 29 vs. Bowie Baysox, 1:05 p.m.), Father's Day (June 18 vs. Portland Sea Dogs, 2:05 p.m.), and Labor Day (Sept. 4 vs. Erie SeaWolves, 1:05 p.m.) To celebrate the holidays, the RubberDucks will hold special fireworks shows on May 28 for Memorial Day, July 3 for Independence Day, and Sept. 3 for Labor Day.
There will be three "Education Day" 10:35 a.m. day games in May-May 10 vs. Trenton, and back-to-back games on May 16-17 vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels. Other weekday day games include 12:05 p.m. starts on June 29 vs. Erie, July 26 vs. Binghamton Mets, and Aug. 23 vs. Harrisburg Senators.
"Our fans have been unbelievable supporting us throughout this all-star season at Canal Park, and we think next year's schedule is even better," said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. "The schedule is loaded with big weekend matchups, day games, and holiday dates, along with Canal Park's always-fun atmosphere, wacky promotions, and tons of fireworks-our fans are sure to love it!" said Pfander.
Canal Park will host appearances by all 11 Eastern League opponents, including three series each against Western Division rivals Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles), and three series against Eastern Division opponent Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). Western Division opponents the Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals), the Erie SeaWolves (Detroit Tigers), and the Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants) each visit Canal Park twice in 2017.
Each weekday game in April and May will begin at 6:35 p.m., while Saturday contests start at 2:05 p.m. in April, switch to 6:35 p.m. in May, and move to 7:05 p.m. June through September. All Sunday games will begin at 2:05 p.m., other than May 28 (6:35 p.m.) and Sept. 3 (6:05 p.m.) to accommodate special fireworks shows before Memorial Day and Labor Day, respectively.
The 2017 home schedule will once again have a number of family-friendly promotions, including post-game fireworks every Friday home game, and every Saturday home game in June, July and August. Every Sunday game will begin at 2:05 p.m. and will feature the popular Family FUNday activities, which includes a pre-game catch on the field and kids running the bases after the game.
For season tickets, the RubberDucks are currently taking non-refundable deposits at $125 per ticket for renewals and new seats. Deposits can be accepted via phone and box office, which is open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or during the remaining 2016 regular season. No online deposits will be accepted.
A complete promotional schedule for the 2017 season will be released at a later date. Individual tickets will go on sale in the spring of 2017.
The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2016 season is its 20th since moving to Akron and third since becoming the RubberDucks. For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks' website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.