There's No Place Like Home

MOOSIC, Pa. - When guests leave PNC Field in 2013, the host Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) hope they truly know one thing above all else.  Not who won.  Not the score.  Not the subtlety of the left-right switch in the eighth.  No, while the most dedicated fans will assuredly recall everything from the scoring of the bases-loaded groundball double play in the fifth to the particulars overhead in a shouting match over balls and strikes by the opposition, everyone should simply know if they had a good time.

To that end, when the RailRiders open up a seven-game homestand here are the entertaining sights and sounds they will be treated to each night.

On Thursday, the new PNC Field will finally see its first real action on Opening Night presented by PNC Bank.  While the RailRiders and rival Pawtucket Red Sox will be the stars on the field, guests will get their Hollywood close-up on the way in.  The RailRiders will literally roll out the red carpet for the very first guests of the 2013 campaign.  Paparazzi will pop pictures and "entertainment reporters" will inquire which designer dolled up each attendee while a pre-game band performs.  Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with a slew of surprises on tap making early arrival key.  It will also mark the very first Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser.  That means beer and Pepsi products are just $1 for the first two hours with first pitch coming at 7:05 p.m.  After the game, enjoy the first fireworks show of the season courtesy of Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel.  And on your way out, up to 10,000 photos of the first pitch at the new PNC Field will be handed out thanks to Independent Graphics.

Do you want the RailRiders' schedule in one convenient location?  The first 5,000 fans on Friday, April 5 will receive a free magnetic schedule.  Slap it on your fridge and be in the know for when the RailRiders are at PNC Field.  Friday also marks the RailRiders' first postgame Friday fireworks presented by Jack Williams Tire & Auto.  The game starts at 7:05 p.m.

On Saturday, April 6, the first 2,500 guests walking into the gates of PNC Field will be handed a Greg Legg bobblehead on Greg Legg Night.  The night and the bobblehead are presented by PNC Bank.  The tribute to the SWB baseball legend is just the beginning of Saturday night's fun, as Legg will be on the field prior to first pitch for a special ceremony.  Guests can enjoy music from a pre-game band as they enter through the home plate entrance.  And for those that have yet to experience enough explosions in the sky, a special bonus fireworks show will be launched after Saturday night's game.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The RailRiders conclude their series with the Pawtucket Red Sox with their first day game of the 2013 season on Sunday, April 7.  The 1:05 p.m. first pitch will mark the first Family FUNday of 2013.  Family FUNday is presented by the NEPA Honda Dealers' Association.  It includes autographs, face painting and other entertainers before the game, while kids can run the bases after the game.

The homestand continues as the Rochester Red Wings arrive at PNC Field on Monday, April 8.  Bring your appetite on Monday night, as hot dogs are just $1.  Dollar dogs will be a staple of every Monday night game at PNC Field.  First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.

Tuesday night's game is the first of the RailRiders' 2-for-1 Tuesdays.  For each bleacher or stand-room-only ticket purchased, guests get another one free.  Please note, the offer is not good for online ticket purchases.  First pitch for April 9 is scheduled for 6:35pm.

The homestand concludes on Wednesday, April 10 and as will be the case at every Wednesday night game this season, kids eat free.  Kids 12 and under will receive a free food voucher to be used at the concession stands to keep their bellies full all game long.  As always, members of the Quills Kids Club presented by Hildebrandt Learning Centers, receive a free ticket to all Wednesday night games.  Wednesday night is also the first theme night of the season, as the RailRiders celebrate Tribute to Dance Night.  First pitch is scheduled for 6:35pm.

Tickets for all games are still available, including Opening Night.  For more information, please visit the team's official website, www.swbrailriders.com, or call 570-969-BALL (2255).

- SWB RailRiders - All Aboard! -