Dayton, OH - The Dayton Dragons will open their 14th season in the Midwest League on the road on Thursday, April 4th against the West Michigan Whitecaps at 6:35 p.m. The Dragons Home Opener is Thursday, April 11^th against the Great Lake Loons at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. The Dragons announced their 2013 Entertainment Highlights today.

Team Facts

The Dragons have a 913 consecutive game sell-out streak at Fifth Third Field (every game in their 13-year history).  This is the longest sell-out streak in sports history.  The Dragons have led all of Single-A baseball in attendance for each of their 13 seasons of operation.

The Dragons won the John H. Johnson President's Award in 2012. The award is the top honor that can be given to any Minor League Baseball franchise.  This award is given annually to one Minor League team in the nation, from among 160 teams from all classifications (Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A).  The Johnson award is based on the total comprehensiveness of the franchise.

Dragons Entertainment Highlights, 2013

The Dragons' mascots, Heater and Gem, return for every game during the 2013 season.  Our other ballpark characters, Wink, ATMO and Roofman, perform at select games. Once again, the Dragons have put together an exciting lineup of entertainment acts focusing on family fun. 

• The high-flying K-9 Crew, a collection of some of the world's most athletic canines, returns to Dayton on Wednesday, May 15th.  The event is sponsored by Dayton Media Technologies.
• Great Clips and the Life Connection of Ohio combine to bring The ZOOperstars! to Fifth Third Field twice in 2013, on Sunday, June 2nd and Thursday, August 8th.
• Avis sponsors BirdZerk!, who will bring his wild and crazy antics to the ballpark on Sunday, July 21st.

The Dragons "Green Team" orchestrates a variety of hilarious family-friendly skits on the field and in the stands during games.  Each year, new skits and contests are brainstormed throughout the off season and the Green Team rehearses and perfects the skits during pre-season rehearsals skits in the afternoons prior to games.  The Dragons promise many new on-field skits, scoreboard videos, and entertainment acts with a family-entertainment theme.

Popular On-Field Entertainment

Toddler Races

Retirement Village People

Mini-Dugout Dancers

And much more!

Opening Night

The Dragons Opening Night game on April 11th will feature great entertainment for fans of all ages. The National Anthem will be performed by Olivia Loeffler, the winner of the Dayton Daily News National Anthem singing contest.

Also on Opening Night: 

• Atmosphere Entertainers:  Face painters, Stilt Walking Balloon Artists, and Jugglers.
• Petting Zoo
• Skydivers flying in the Red White and Blue.
• Dove Release after the National Anthem.
• WPAFB Honor Guard presenting our nations colors.
• Giant flag presented by family members of WPAFB Servicemen and women.
• Mini Dugout Dancers

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Home Run for Life

The Dragons and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have teamed up for their eighth year to showcase the "Home Run for Life" program.  This program honors individuals who have shown tremendous strength and courage in fighting serious illnesses.  Anthem Home Run for Life nights are May 8, May 23, June 12, July 17, and August 14.

American Celebration Nights

The American Celebration Nights are back in 2013, on June 1 and August 17, honoring our local servicemen and women. The entertainment theme on these nights is related to the military personnel.

Community All-Stars

The Dayton Dragons "Community All-Stars" program recognizes unsung community members for their good deeds and efforts. This season the Dragons and Vectren will honor individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.  Throughout the season, 35 "All-Stars"-anyone from firefighters to first responders, non-profit organizations to Good Samaritans-and their families will receive VIP treatment at a Dragons game in recognition of their service.  Community All-Stars nights are set for April 25, May 28, June 24, July 22, and August 15.

High School Baseball

For the eighth consecutive season, the Dragons will play host to high school baseball, as 30 area high school teams will play regular season games at Fifth Third Field.  The 15-game schedule, sponsored by MAC Athletics, runs throughout April and May.  Admission is free, and concession stands will be open so that fans can enjoy a full day at the ballpark.  The high schools are able to provide their own PA announcers, cheer squads, national anthem singers, and some schools even bring their own radio broadcasters to the ballpark.  Participating high schools sell Dragons tickets to help raise money for their programs. 

College Baseball

Sinclair Community College will play a game against Urbana University at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m.

MVRPC's Bike to the Dragons Game

The Drive Less, Live More Campaign will offer free, secure valet bike parking on the plaza of Fifth Third Field. Pre-registration is recommended, as the first 50 bikers to pre-register on daytondragons.com will receive a gift bag and a Dragons hat! Dates include May 12, June 2, July 7 and August 18.

Bob Ross Classic High School All-Star Game

On July 13th, the 13th Annual Bob Ross Classic will be played at Fifth Third Field.  The exhibition game showcases the best rising high school seniors from schools across the Miami Valley.

Other Events

• Kroger Baseball Buddies returns again in 2013. Signups are ongoing.
• The Subway Dragons 5k is scheduled for July 13th.
• The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health and Fitness Carnival will be held on August 18th.
• Great American Beer Tasting sponsored by Heidelberg Distributing is August 3rd.
• Donatos Movie Night at Fifth Third Field is August 10th.
• Dragons Experience Youth Baseball Clinics run June 24-25 & July 29-30
• Scout Overnighter is back at Fifth Third Field. Local scouts spend the night at the ballpark and watch a movie on the video board. This year's Girl Scout Overnighter is Friday, May 10^th. The Boy Scout Overnighter is Friday, May 24^th. 

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

 

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