Express Baseball Announces Dell Diamond Changes

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas –Round Rock Express Baseball announced Tuesday several changes for the 2012 season at The Dell Diamond, including new concessions vendors, the return of refillable drink cups, an all-new kids’ program, a redesigned external marquee and the new Express Street Team.

After a two-year hiatus, refillable drink cups return to The Dell Diamond, thanks to sponsor Wag-A-Bag. Fans must purchase a 32-ounce souvenir cup at one of The Dell Diamond concession stands to take advantage of discounted drink refills. Fans can then bring their empty cup back throughout the season and enjoy the same refill offer. The cups also may be used for exclusive 59-cent refills at all Wag-a-Bag convenience stores in the Greater Austin area. 

Several new concessions vendors are in place for the 2012 season, including Southside Market and Barbeque, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, The Original Big Cheese – serving fresh grilled cheese sandwiches - and The Vineyard at Florence through which the club is marketing a collection of private label wines.

Sodexo, in its third season as the concessions provider at The Dell Diamond, also announced changes, including new general manager Rick Bronwell who arrives at The Dell Diamond from The Rose Bowl. Service additions include an Intel Club “Triple Play” Happy Hour available for Intel Club members, featuring $3 well drinks, draft beers and house wines. The happy hour runs from when gates open to 30 minutes before first pitch each game.  Sixteen additional points of sale were added throughout the ballpark, bringing the total number now to 40.

The Junior Sluggers program, presented by A+ Federal Credit Union, is also new for the 2012 season. For $15, children ages 12 and under receive tickets to 15 games, a Junior Sluggers T-Shirt, a Fun Zone punch card 10-percent discount in the Railyard Team Store, a 10-percent discount on Express baseball and softball camps, an A+ Federal Credit Union $10 savings account voucher, a club newsletter, and a VIP front-of-the-line pass for running the bases after Sunday home games. Junior Slugger members also receive exclusive access to members-only events such as catch on the field, team meet and greet and a May 6 Biscuit Brothers concert.

The redesigned external marquee along U.S. Highway 79 is thanks to a partnership with Daktronics, Inc. Express Baseball now has the ability to display full-color still or motion graphics, helping to keep fans and passers-by current on the latest news and information on concerts, games and other activities at The Dell Diamond.

Presented by A+ Federal Credit Union and RockSports, the Express Street Team is comprised of Rebecca Gustafson, Whitney Rhoden and Brian Buford. The Street Team can be seen at various locations and events throughout Central Texas as they further the local footprint of the Express. The team serves as ambassadors in the community and will execute marketing strategies and partnerships with non-profit organizations and Express sponsors. Fans also will see the three-person team on game days as they participate in game entertainment and promotions.

Finally, a special full-season season ticket holder VIP entry gate has been added along the west entry to the ballpark, presented by TicketCity. During the regular and post season, all full-season ticket holders and their guests can begin entering the ballpark through the gate 10 minutes before general gates opening.

The Round Rock Express host the Texas Rangers for an exhibition game April 2 at The Dell Diamond; first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CDT. The game is presented by Covert Hutto. Round Rock’s regular season begins April 5 with an eight-game road trip. The Express open their home schedule April 13 with an eight-game home stand that includes four-game series against the Iowa Cubs and Omaha Storm Chasers. Tickets are available through the Express ticket office at (512) 255-2255 or online at www.RoundRockExpress.com.