Bulls & Blue Cross NC Partner On Wellness Program

Wool E. Bull and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina present “Wool E. Wellness”, a free educational program showcasing how to live a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise and sleep.

This program is available for all elementary schools in Durham, Wake and Orange Counties and consists of school visit from Wool E. Bull, show highlighting proper wellness practices, giveaways from the Bulls and Blue Cross NC and opportunities for unique experiences at Durham Bulls Athletic Park during the 2023 season.

CLICK TO SCHEDULE A SHOW

“The Durham Bulls are proud to partner with Blue Cross NC to help educate youth on healthy lifestyle habits”, said Michael Ward, Durham Bulls Director of Marketing and Communications. “Proper wellness starts at a young age, and with the help of Wool E. Bull, Blue Cross NC and area schools, we can positively impact the health of youth in the Triangle.”

“Access to nutritious foods is integral to preventing diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure,” said Cheryl Parquet, director, Community Engagement and Marketing Activation at Blue Cross NC. “Teaching local youth healthy recipes and basic kitchen techniques is an opportunity to help improve health outcomes for the future of North Carolina.”

Interested schools can click here to learn more about the program and schedule a show or call Eric Topolewski with the Durham Bulls at 919.687.6533.

Bulls Join MiLB In Launch Of “The Nine” Outreach Program

 

The Durham Bulls in conjunction with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) today announced the launch of “The Nine”, a new, Black-community focused outreach platform across MiLB specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball

The Durham Bulls in conjunction with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) today announced the launch of “The Nine”, a new, Black-community focused outreach platform across MiLB specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans through MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in Minor League Baseball with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversion Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and communities. Recent tributes and celebrations at Durham Bulls Athletic Park have included the Bulls’ Negro Leagues Night and Juneteenth Series commemorations.

This year, the Bulls will pay tribute to the former Negro League teams of Durham and celebrate the achievements of the Bull City’s Black community on Sunday, June 19. Tickets for that evening’s game against the Louisville Bats will be available starting Wednesday, February 2.

The Nine will also focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access in line with the Durham Bulls’ efforts with the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League.

The Bulls, along with other MiLB teams, will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

The Bulls begin their Triple-A National Title defense on the road in Nashville on Tuesday, April 5 before returning to the DBAP for a five-game series versus the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Tuesday, April 12. For more information on full-season and mini plan packages, please call 919.956.BULL.

Triple-A Final Stretch To Benefit Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League

 

Minor League Baseball has announced a charitable component to the ten-game Triple-A Final Stretch that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city, including Durham.

For each home run hit by the Bulls over those ten games, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League. Should the Bulls hit the most home runs of any Triple-A team over that ten-game span, an additional $5,000 will be donated to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League.

Durham’s Triple-A Final Stretch slate of games begins at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Wednesday, September 22 with the Final Five presented by Fifth Third Bank, as the Bulls face the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. In 120 regular season games this season, the Bulls bashed 175 home runs, the fifth-highest total among all 30 Triple-A squads, including the second-best tally in the Triple-A East League.

The Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League (DBYAL) has enriched the lives of youth for more than 25 years. Through partnerships with churches, schools, and other youth recreation organizations, DBYAL provides recreational baseball free of charge to youngsters in the City of Durham.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Tickets for the Final Five 2021 Bulls home games presented by Fifth Third Bank are on sale now. Group outings and season tickets or mini plans can also be purchased at durhambulls.com, or by calling the Mako Medical Ticket Office at 919.956.BULL.

Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program

 

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. This $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-county area surrounding the Triangle.

2020’s winners were:
Amarachi Chukwunyere from Rolesville High School

Dizni DeBerry from Hillside High School

Christopher Everett from Clayton High School

Prince Linboom from North Wake College & Career Academy

Maria Quintero Ruiz from Carrboro High School

John Thurman from Chatham Central High School

“Couch Oil Company is pleased to be a sponsoring partner with the Durham Bulls this season,” said Stephen Couch, President of Couch Oil Company. “To make this endeavor complete, we are excited to once again offer the Couch Oil Cares Scholarship to benefit families in our community.”

Couch Oil Company, a family owned and operated Durham-based company, specializes in propane, gasoline, premium diesel, lubricants and tank cleaning.

The Bulls share in Couch Oil Company’s vision to aid those with aspirations of attending college.

“Our flagship community programs focus on improving the lives of children in our community,” said Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling. “We are thrilled to partner with Couch Oil on this endeavor to give students an opportunity to reach for higher education.”

To apply for this scholarship, please download this application or visit https://www.couchoilcompany.com/about/couch-oil-cares/. The application deadline is May 28, 2021.

Bulls Partner With BASF, Cree|Wolfspeed to Create Pollinator Garden at DBAP

 

Today the Durham Bulls announced a partnership with BASF Agricultural Solutions North America, a leading supplier in the agriculture industry creating sustainable and innovative solutions for farmers, and Cree|Wolfspeed, a powerhouse semiconductor company focused on silicon carbide and GaN technologies, to create a pollinator garden at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The collaboration, sponsored by BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed, will contribute to the Durham Bulls commitment to strengthening the community and creating positive change in the Triangle. The garden, which will be planted in mid-November, will feature both annual and perennial pollinator plants including Goldenrods, Stoke’s Aster, and New Jersey Tea and reflect the Bulls colors – blue, white and orange.

“The Durham Bulls are proud to partner with BASF and Cree|Wolfspeed to provide the Triangle with another interactive space to learn about the importance of pollinators and their role in the food chain,” said Mike Birling, Durham Bulls Vice President of Baseball Operations. “We know the importance of building these spaces in urban settings and are delighted to play a role in the sustainability of our local environment and in the education of the community.”

Approximately 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on pollination, making pollinators vital to both the ecosystem and the food supply chain. In addition to supporting our food supply, there are many other environmental benefits of wild flowering plants including producing oxygen to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, preventing soil erosion, purifying water and returning the moisture to the atmosphere after it rains.

Downtown Durham is host to several beehives, making the DBAP an ideal location to help sustain the pollinator population native to the area. The goal of the pollinator garden is to expand the availability of food sources to surrounding pollinators. While the honeybee and monarch butterfly are some of the most iconic pollinators, patrons of the DBAP will see beetles, moths, birds, and many other insects.

“At BASF, one of our goals is to educate the public on various ways to improve and impact sustainability, which is why we are partnering with the Durham Bulls and Cree|Wolfspeed to establish a pollinator garden,” said Paul Rea, senior vice president of Agricultural Solutions North America. “We hope partnerships like these can continue to shed light on the vital role pollinators play in our food supply chain and ecosystem.”

“At Cree|Wolfspeed, we believe every individual should have a home, enough to eat and an opportunity to excel. Partnering with BASF to help the Durham Bulls create a teaching pollinator garden adds an educational and fun science-based activity for our neighbors,” said Cree CEO Gregg Lowe. “We cannot wait for the community to be able to learn more about the pollination process and its importance to the food supply, while watching the garden grow in the heart of downtown Durham.”

Video from the kickoff event can be found here.

Inaugural Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race Announced

 

The Durham Bulls announced today plans for the inaugural Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race, a virtual race featuring a One-Mile Fun Run and 5K, presented by PNC Bank. Two race distances allow for people of all ages and abilities to participate, while the virtual format means individuals anywhere can join the greatest mascot in the world for a fun-filled Thanksgiving race they’ll never forget.

Registration for the Thanksgiving-themed virtual race is now open and runs through Sat., Oct. 31. Participants will have one week — Nov. 23 to Nov. 29 — to complete the race. They will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded.

“As we prepare for a Thanksgiving holiday that will be unlike any other, PNC looks forward to helping the Durham Bulls bring this virtual event to friends and fans everywhere,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas. “We are pleased to join Wool E. Bull for this race, which celebrates community, family togetherness and good health.”

Participants may select from one of two distances for their virtual race:

  • One-Mile Fun Run: For $25, runners will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded. The One-Mile Fun Run is the perfect distance for children wishing to participate in Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race.
  • 5K: For $40, runners will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded. For an additional $10, runners can add a ticket voucher that may be redeemed for a 2021 Durham Bulls home game.

Registration is open through Oct. 31. Packet pick-up for local participants will be available at the Ballpark Corner Store beginning Nov. 16. Race packets will be shipped to those who select a shipping option beginning Nov. 16. Click here for more information or to register.

Bulls & WGU North Carolina Announce Military Appreciation Event

 

The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of a recognition program in partnership with WGU North Carolina and the USO of North Carolina, to provide a unique, special experience for active military and their families.

Beginning Monday, the Bulls will host pre-registered military families at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and provide the opportunity to take batting practice, play catch in the outfield, enjoy yard games or just breathe in the fresh air for a 45-minute session, underneath the stadium lights.

“We are extremely happy to be able to offer these military families a special experience at the ballpark,” said Nick Bavin, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Durham Bulls. “We are always grateful for the sacrifice these individuals and their families make for us, so we’re excited to be able to play a part in putting a smile on their faces during these trying times.”

“As a military spouse, I know firsthand that opportunities like these are greatly appreciated,” said WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt. “We look forward to hosting these families for a memorable experience of a lifetime.”

In addition to the on-field experience, the event will also serve as a ‘Back to School’ kickoff with WGU North Carolina providing school supplies to the children in attendance.

WGU North Carolina is a One Star Patriot Circle Partner of the USO of North Carolina and was recently named the number one military school in the nation in the category of online/vocational in an announcement that can be found here: https://www.wgu.edu/newsroom/press-release/2020/02/wgu-named-number-one-by-military-friendly.html.

About WGU North Carolina

WGU North Carolina is an online competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for North Carolina residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in post-secondary education. WGU has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at nc.wgu.edu.

Bulls Announce Safe at Home Fund for Seasonal Employees

 

The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of the Safe at Home Fund, a relief program designed to provide financial aid to the seasonal employees who are currently unable to work with the Bulls due to the postponement of the Minor League Baseball season. The relief funds, established together with parent Capitol Broadcasting Company, will be made available to more than 200 employees who worked the 2019 season and were scheduled to work during the 2020 season.

“In times of such economic uncertainty, the Bulls want to make sure that all members of our family are taken care,” said Bulls VP Mike Birling. “Our game day staff are the face of our organization to so many of our fans and play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of events hosted at the DBAP that we have all come to expect. We hope that this fund is able to provide some form of relief as we navigate through the current health situation and we can’t wait to welcome our staff back to work.”

With the start of the Minor League Baseball season postponed indefinitely, the Bulls are proud to be able to use their platform to support our team in this time of need. Fans are encouraged to follow the Bulls’ website and social channels for regular updates on the team, the 2020 season and how the team is responding to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation.

Bulls & Blue Cross NC to Provide Meals and Recognition for Health Care Workers

 

The Durham Bulls announced the launch of a summer community outreach program in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) to recognize the effort and sacrifice made by health care workers during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. As a way to say thank you, health care workers in Durham and Chapel Hill will receive professionally prepared meals, along with recognition on social media and more.

“We are happy to partner with Blue Cross NC on this outstanding community program,” said Chip Allen—Assistant General Manager at Durham Bulls Baseball Club. “Frontline health care workers and many other essential workers in our community put themselves in harm’s way every day to help us. We hope rewarding these health care workers during the summer, through a meal, a day out at the stadium, or their name in lights in front of the ballpark represents a small part of how grateful we are here at the Bulls.”

Beginning today, the Bulls and Blue Cross NC will deliver 600 meals per week to health care workers at Duke Health and UNC Health locations, along with other small tokens of appreciation such as Bulls ticket vouchers.

This eight-week program will be executed by Bulls and Blue Cross NC staff, including the greatest mascot in the world, Wool E. Bull! Individually packaged meals will be prepared by Blue Cross NC’s cafeteria vendor, Compass. Health care workers will also be recognized with photos, videos and special messages on social media.

In addition to the meals and social media recognition, the Durham Bulls and Blue Cross NC will also launch a “Community Heroes” campaign, allowing fans to nominate community workers who have gone above and beyond in times of need. Winners will be featured on Bulls and Blue Cross NC digital channels, as well as on signage at and around Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). The program will culminate in a health care worker appreciation day hosted at the DBAP, where local health care workers and their families will be invited to enjoy a day of fun on the field.

“Blue Cross NC is honored to work with the Durham Bulls to show our appreciation to health care workers in the community we call home,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We value and respect the dedication of these health care professionals working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of all North Carolinians.”

Additional information on this program can be found on the Durham Bulls website (https://www.milb.com/durham/community/meals-for-medics). We encourage the entire community to check out our website and social channels for opportunities to participate in this program and send messages of thanks to our community heroes.

Bulls Launch Wool E.’s Reading Club

 

The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of Wool E.’s Reading Club, in partnership with Amica Insurance. The inaugural season of this program will reach approximately 5,000 students from Durham Public Schools.

The mission of this program is not only to reward students for making time outside of the classroom to read, but also to improve overall literacy in the Triangle. While sports promote health and physical activity through exercise, reading develops the brain, a muscle that also needs exercise. Reading stimulates the mind and allows students to grow in their language skills. This helps them to better listen and engage with peers, educators and the school curriculum.

Our goal is to empower 5,000 K-5 Triangle students to read at least 40,000 hours in 2020. Participants will receive a custom Wool E.’s Reading Club bookmark and be rewarded with a Bulls branded prize every time they reach a new base by completing the assigned segment of reading. Students who submit a completed bookmark, equal to 500 minutes of reading, will receive a complimentary ticket to a Durham Bulls game thanks to Amica Insurance.

“We are excited to launch this reading program as a way to encourage Triangle students to invest in their education,” Durham Bulls Vice President – Baseball Operations Mike Birling said. “Hopefully the incentives we provide to participating students will get them excited about not only reading, but also Durham Bulls baseball.”

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020 against the Charlotte Knights. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

Spring Fan Fest, Anthem Auditions to be Held March 7

 

The Durham Bulls will host their 2020 Fan Fest on Saturday, March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The free event provides fans a chance to take batting practice on the field and purchase single-game tickets for the 2020 season. Additionally, National Anthem auditions

The Durham Bulls will host their 2020 Fan Fest on Saturday, March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The free event provides fans a chance to take batting practice on the field and purchase single-game tickets for the 2020 season. Additionally, National Anthem auditions will take place at the DBAP the morning of March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

The event will feature a free raffle for all fans in attendance, with grand prizes such as Bulls merchandise. Each fan in attendance will be given a raffle ticket upon arrival. Fans can earn more raffle tickets throughout the event in several ways, such as purchasing individual game tickets and packages along with retail purchases. Winners will be selected every 30 minutes, and the individual must be present to win.

Two batting practice sessions will be held at the event. All attendees 13 and older wishing to hit on the field will be able to line up from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and all fans 12 and under wishing to take batting practice may line up from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Each participant will get 3-5 pitches only. Guests will be required to sign a waiver to participate. Waivers are available here for completion prior to Fan Fest. Please print, complete and bring with you for Spring Fan Fest.

The team’s ticket representatives will be available to showcase available 919 Club member seating locations, and the Mako Medical Box Office will be open at 12:00 p.m. to provide fans an opportunity to purchase single-game tickets. 919 Club members in attendance will be granted access to the PNC Triangle Club 30 minutes prior to the event to pick up their membership package and giveaways. In addition to 919 Club packages and single-game tickets, a special Fan Fest Pack will be available only on March 7. Fans eager to secure single-game tickets for the 2020 season can do so beginning Monday, March 2 in an online-only sale, and tickets will become available by phone and in-person at the DBAP beginning March 7.

Other events/offers scheduled for Fan Fest include:

  • Fans that purchase a 919 Club package are entered into a raffle to win four (4) PNC Triangle Club tickets or a suite night for Opening Week (April 9 Opening Night excluded)
  • The Ballpark Corner Store will offer select merchandise at discounted prices in their rummage sale
  • Local food trucks American Meltdown, Stuft and Hot Chix will be in attendance on the outfield patio
  • Photo opportunities with Wool E. Bull, the Wool E. Wagon and his go-kart
  • Photo opportunities on the Durham Bulls Grounds Crew equipment in center field
  • Tours of the area inside the Blue Monster (left field wall)
  • Tours of the Durham Bulls Clubhouse
  • Special preview tasting of select new concessions items for the 2020 season
  • Beer, soft drinks and water will be available for purchase near Wool E. World
  • Face painting will be available, and a balloon artist will also be in attendance

National Anthem auditions will also take place at the DBAP the morning of March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for individuals wishing to perform the Star-Spangled Banner at a Bulls game in 2020. Performers who arrive after 8:30 a.m. will not be permitted to audition. Performers will have one minute and 30 seconds to perform the anthem, and lyrics must be memorized and performed in a traditional style.

Participants for anthem auditions may enter through the ballpark’s left field gate and register upon arrival to perform on a first-come, first-sing basis. Singers may leave at the completion of their audition and will be contacted at a later date as the Bulls choose those who will perform at limited, select dates during the 2020 season.

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020 against the Charlotte Knights. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

 

Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program

 

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. The $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-country area surrounding the Triangle.

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. The $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-country area surrounding the Triangle. Last year’s winners were:

Elodie Deneassembaye from Chapel Hill High
Jillian Janssen from Cary Academy
Olivia King from Durham School of the Arts
Frankie Reed from Fuquay Varina High
Maggie Shealy from East Chapel Hill High
Rob Treadway from Cardinal Gibbons High

“Couch Oil Company is pleased to be a sponsoring partner with the Durham Bulls this season,” said Stephen Couch, President of Couch Oil Company. “To make this endeavor complete, we are excited to once again offer the Couch Oil Cars Scholarship to benefit families in our community.”

Couch Oil Company, a family owned and operated Durham-based company, specializes in propane, gasoline, premium diesel, lubricants and tank cleaning.

The Bulls share in Couch Oil Company’s vision to aid those with aspirations of attending college.

“Our flagship community programs focus on improving the lives of children in our community,” said Durham Bulls Vice President – Baseball Operations Mike Birling. “We are thrilled to partner with Couch Oil on this endeavor to give students an opportunity to reach for higher education.”

To apply for this scholarship, please download this application, and submit no late than June 5, 2020.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Durham Bulls to Host Seasonal Job Fair

 

The Durham Bulls, in conjunction with Headway Workforce Solutions, will host their annual Job Fair on Saturday, January 25 to fill part-time game day positions for the 2020 season. The fair is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the PNC Triangle Club at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Interviews will be held that day for seasonal, part-time positions available in game entertainment, stadium operations, sports turf, retail, seating bowl hosting, picnic area hosting and ticket operations.

Bull City Hospitality – the team’s Food and Beverage company – will also be conducting interviews that day, aiming to fill a number of concession stand positions including managers, stand attendants, catering staff, cooks, bartenders and more.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly and dependable, and look forward to contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Those interested in a position with the Bulls or Bull City Hospitality can see a listing of jobs and are encouraged to register for the job fair in advance by clicking here.

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park Now Sensory Inclusive

The Durham Bulls have partnered with KultureCity to make Durham Bulls Athletic Park sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue who visit the DBAP.

The certification process entailed the staff at the DBAP being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. A number of Sensory bags, equipped with noise reducing headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and a weighted lap pad will also be available to be checked out at the Lowes Foods Guest Services by guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. The DBAP also has a number of ‘Quiet Areas’ posted throughout the ballpark as well as an exit/re-entry policy to the stadium for fans who need a quiet space.

In addition, the Bulls have several helpful resources available online to better help prepare for a visit to the ballpark. This includes a ballpark map showing the quiet areas, a social story, and a Sensory Guide for what to expect during a visit to the DBAP, prepared with the help of Emerge Pediatric Therapy. Click here to access these resources.

“Our stadium becoming sensory inclusive is one more step our team has taken to make sure any fan, anywhere, feels comfortable and safe attending a Bulls game,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “We look forward to welcoming fans and families to the DBAP who in the past might not have had the resources they needed.”

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like the DBAP. With its new certification, the DBAP is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending an event at the DBAP.

“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a baseball game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” said Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity. “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the DBAP is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”

For Sensory Friendly Night on July 28th, presented by Emerge Pediatric Therapy, fans will also have access to a dedicated sensory room on the Suite Level designed and staffed by our partners at Emerge Pediatric Therapy for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. To visit the Sensory Suite, fans should use the entrance for the PNC Triangle Club located on Jackie’s Landing in right field.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Four Winners Selected for $10,000 Grant

Four organizations have been chosen as the winners of the Durham Bulls Ballpark Project presented by Coastal Credit Union. Hillandale Sports Association, Hawfields Civitan Club, Northern Middle School and East Wake High School softball have each earned a $10,000 donation for facility renovations.

“For the second straight year we saw a highly impressive group of applications, and for the second straight year we had some very difficult decisions to make,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “These four winners proved why upgrades to their facilities will be important in helping grow the sports of baseball and softball for years to come.”

Hillandale Sports Association expects to make renovations to improve the field’s drainage issues, and Hawfields Civitan Club will provide a large-scale renovation for the first time since 1975. Northern Middle School plans to provide upgrades to its joint baseball/softball field, and East Wake High School softball will resurface its infield for a safer playing surface.

Each facility will be renovated in the coming months, with a list of priorities submitted by each location. Additionally, a representative from each organization is scheduled to be honored on-field at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday, August 6.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.