Blue Wahoos Providing Trick-Or-Treat On The Diamond Friday In Halloween Event 

 

Returning a Halloween-themed event to Blue Wahoos Stadium a year ago provided organizers with a new idea.

What about having Trick-or-Treat stations on the field, thus giving children a more wide-open, space and place to run around?

That will happen Friday night, beginning at 5 p.m. when the Blue Wahoos host a Halloween celebration night, sponsored by T-Mobile, and complete with popcorn, candy stations set up by area businesses, a Walt Disney movie, and a fireworks show above the stadium for families to enjoy.

Admission is $5 for the event and gates will open at 5 p.m. Friday to start the Trick-or-Treat procession.

“I love offering the stadium as a safe space for parents to have an alternative from, say, going door to door (in neighborhoods) for Halloween,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events director. “I feel having businesses giving out candy in an open community space, still checks the boxes for kids to ‘Trick or Treat’, but also brings some comfort for wary parents who might not want kids to go door to door.”

The movie “Hocus Pocus” will be shown at 6 p.m. on the stadium video board. Ticket holders can either sit on the field (blankets only, no chairs), or utilize the stadium bowl seats to watch the film. Fireworks will follow. T-Mobile is providing popcorn bags for the first 500 people.

Following the movie, there will be a fireworks display to close out the event.

“To me, Hocus Pocus is your perfect, family, Halloween movie,” said Reeves, who wanted to ensure a movie did not contain violence or rough language. “It is a cult favorite and I think always will be. It is a fun, family movie.”

The Blue Wahoos have partnered with 30 area businesses, who will set up their stations along the perimeter of the field. A year ago, the Halloween night at the stadium utilized the concourses for Trick or Treat stations.

This time, it will enable people to purchase beverages and food at concessions areas without crowding the area.

“We’re excited about the plan to have everything on the field,” Reeves said. “The concourse is not super conducive to a Trick or Treat type of event with the main gate stairs in the middle. We wanted to give people the opportunity to go here, there, or everywhere and not be stuck in a line.

“Kids can run from booth to booth and have free reign of the stadium which I know parents will love. Get treats and then watch the movie.”

Incorporating local businesses was a popular pitch, she said.

“It gives those businesses a chance to come out, free of charge, and to have their businesses showcased in front of a large amount of people,” Reeves said.

“I think people really appreciated that. We were offering a chance to be part of a community event without having to pay anything.”

The Blue Wahoos held Halloween events in their early part of the team’s history. A year ago, the concept was brought back and revised during a time when the ongoing coronavirus pandemic cancelled many indoor Halloween events.

From that experience, the Blue Wahoos made the current revision.

“We had such a great turnout, such a great response,” Reeves said. “People were very grateful for it. We did it with a movie, which we had not done before in previous Halloween events.

“This gives us a chance to fulfill our mission again in the community. When we talked about this year, we decided on how to make this an even smoother, even better event.

“We’re just trying to give families a safe place to come, and give kids a safe place to come in their costumes. And not worry about traffic. Or not worry about running in the street.”

Friday’s event closes out a busy October at the stadium. In addition to a variety of smaller private events, Blue Wahoos Stadium has been a venue for the Soul Bowl youth football event, the Nitro Circus stunt bikes show, the First City Art Pumpkin Patch, along with two UWF football games.

‘It has been a banner October,” Reeves said. “We have seen probably the most diverse group of events in this stadium than I have ever seen. All of these events have brought in different audiences and demographics. And (Friday) will be a great finale to the month.”

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Blue Wahoos Halloween Night

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.

WHEN: Friday, gates open at 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 apiece.

FORMAT: Trick or Treat for children begins at 5 p.m. on the field with area businesses setting up stations. The Walt Disney movie, Hocus Pocus, will be shown at 6 p.m., followed by a fireworks display. Sponsor T-Mobile will provide popcorn bags.

TICKETS: Available online at www.bluewahoos.com or at the stadium box office.

PARKING: Available at stadium main lot, as well as the addition lots across street from ballpark.

Soul Bowl Return To Blue Wahoos Stadium Brings Welcome Community Boost 

 

For the first time in its three decades, the Soul Bowl didn’t happen in 2020. Another unfortunate event cancellation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

That void has created an emotional backdrop for Saturday’s 29th annual youth football showcase at Blue Wahoos Stadium, which organizers were determined to make happen.

“It was extremely important we have the Soul Bowl,” said Lumon May, long-time director of the Southern Youth Sports Association, along with serving on the Escambia County Commission.

“I have been around sports all my life,” said May, 51, who has been part of this event since the first one was staged. “And so to not have the Soul Bowl… something as significant, particularly to the African-American community in Pensacola as this is… it was very sad, very odd last year.

“This year, all the coaches, all the parents, they were not worried about cancelling the season. They said, ‘If we don’t play any other games, if we don’t play any other Saturday, let’s just play the Soul Bowl. Even if we can’t finish the season, we want to go down to the Wahoos Stadium and play the Soul Bowl.’

“That’s what the Soul Bowl has meant.”

The event will feature five games among five different age divisions between the SYSA Tigers and Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers. This will be the first football played on the newly resodded Blue Wahoos Stadium, after last Saturday’s scheduled game with the University of West Florida was cancelled.

The continued concern and effect of COVID-19 in the community has led to alterations for this year’s Soul Bowl. There will be Soul Food vendors outside the stadium — a decision reached Thursday — but not the mass variety as before.

The Unity Circle celebration in early afternoon Saturday will instead be a solemn memorial to those with ties to the Soul Bowl who passed away from complications involving the horrific virus.

“We’ve lost coaches, cheerleader coaches, volunteers who had been part of this game for a long time,” May said. “So it’s going to be emotional.

“We know we will have some hiccups. But if we can just get the kids out there to play, that’s the biggest win. We may not have the Soul Food trucks and all the outside activity we’ve have had in the past.

“But I thought it was important for the community to have this and most important for the children involved that we do something for them.”

May said there was some debate on whether to put on the Soul Bowl this year. But after talking with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who led the way 10 years ago for the Soul Bowl to move into Blue Wahoos Stadium from its previous two neighborhood park venues, it reaffirmed a push to stage the 2021 event.

The day-long event is made possible through sponsorship of attorney Troy Rafferty, shareholder in the Levin, Papatonio, Rafferty Law Firm, along with Cox Communications, the Blue Wahoos and other sponsors.

“Quint said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and that was great,” May said. “.And thanks to Quint Studer it has become the signature event for inclusion in downtown Pensacola.”

With favorable weather forecast, the expectation Saturday is for a festive atmosphere and celebration of youth football, which includes parents and spectators setting up tailgate tents inside the stadium and picnic-style atmosphere around kids playing football.

“It’s just a fun thing to see,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events director who has coordinated as stadium host the past four Soul Bowl games. “The stadium is packed, the music is loud, little kids are everywhere, parents are taking pictures, parents are excited.

“And it really has found its niche here. I feel like people expect it to be here. It’s a well oiled machine from their side (Soul Bowl organizers) of things. Parents know what to expect, coaches know what to expect.”

29th SOUL BOWL YOUTH FOOTBALL

WHO: Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA) Tigers vs. Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers

WHEN: Saturday, games are at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.. 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

ADMISSION: $8 general admission (good for all games) if purchased Thursday or Friday; $10 on Saturday. Children 3-under admitted free.

FORMAT: Games begin with teams ages 6-under, then 8-under, 10-under, 12-under, 14-under for final game. Stadium gates will open at 8 a.m.

RESTRICTIONS: Food purchased outside at one of the food vendors will be permitted inside stadium. But no other outside food or beverage will be permitted to be brought into stadium. Concessions will be open before the first game.

Wahoos Octoberfest Is Month-Long Array Of Popular Community Events 

 

The field transformation at Blue Wahoos Stadium into a football venue has ushered another change, which has evolved in recent years.

It’s now viewed in a different realm as a fall events place.

From the annual Soul Bowl youth football event on Saturday (Oct. 2), it begins the stadium’s own version of an Octoberfest.

Events in the month include a specialty Bingo Night on Oct. 7, the First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 9, a first-time appearance by the Nitro Circus motorcycle stunt riders on Oct. 14, the Light Up Learning gala on Oct. 21, a Halloween weekend event (Oct. 29), along with University of West Florida football games on Oct 16 and Oct .23, plus high school homecoming parties.

“There’s not a weekend — from now until the end of the year — that we don’t have something going on,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events manager. “Either on a Friday, a Saturday, a Sunday or on multiple days the same weekend.

“I see more people interested in booking something at the stadium. It’s become a place where a lot of people can get together in a safe way.”

It’s now approaching 20 months into the coronavirus pandemic and its effect and reshape of the entertainment and sports world. After making a quick pivot a year ago in a 2020 summer without baseball, the Blue Wahoos have continued to find the ballpark viewed as a safe haven for events.

A full October calendar at the stadium is proof of that.

“COVID showed us a lot about what we can do here,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. “We were doing movie nights, dinner nights, bingo nights, trivia nights (in 2020) and I think it gives people an option during COVID as far as having a place to go that is outdoors and a safe environment.

“I think that is still a thing for us. Especially among a lot of non-profit organizations, who are having their events here. You don’t get any more open air than Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“Even in our version of a suite area, the Hancock Whitney Club, it is open air. So no matter where you are, as far as a event, this is a great place to have that. And having Shannon Reeves to drive that has been great.”

Whether it’s through baseball games or special events without connection to sports, the stadium has provided the Blue Wahoos options to meet the quest for year-round activities.

It is something baseball team owners Quint and Rishy Studer wanted to ensure when pitching a multiuse stadium project more than a decade ago.

“Quint built the stadium as a community space and my job is to keep it a community space and pack these events in here,” Reeves said. “With our Blue Wahoos staff, we have all these fantastic minds coming together about. ‘let’s do this or have that.’

“Just super creative minds in the community to bring these events to our stadium.”

The First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch event moved to Blue Wahoos Stadium last year. Thousands of pumpkins were sold. It was the first time all pumpkins were sold. This year, a couple thousand people are expected for the day-long Oct. 9 event.

“I started here four years ago, and really not a lot of people knew about our events,” Reeves said. “In the last four years our team has come together and we’ve turned the stadium into a space where we’re holding everything under the sun here.

“And with that comes different audiences. When you host a variety of events, it brings a variety of new eyes, new audiences and this new awareness of, ‘Oh my gosh, look at what they can do here.’

“So it’s not just seen as a baseball stadium. We’ve really worked to make it a year-round events center.”

WAHOOS OCTOBERFEST

Biggest public events in October at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Oct. 2 – Soul Bowl Youth Football (All day).

Oct. 7 – Bingo Night (6-10 p.m.)

Oct. 9 – First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch (2-6 p.m.)

Oct. 14 – Nitro Circus (7-9:30 p.m.)

Oct. 16 – UWF Football Homecoming Game vs. West Georgia (4 p.m.)

Oct. 21 – Light Up Learning Fundraiser Gala (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Oct. 23 – UWF Football vs. Shorter (4 p.m.)

Oct. 29 – Halloween Trick-or-Treat, Movie Night, Fireworks (5 p.m.-9 p.m.).

Tickets/Info: www.bluewahoos.com and www.goargos.com.

Homers That Help highlights Jumbo Shrimp Triple-A Final Stretch

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Minor League Baseball has created a charitable component to the Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp will join the “Homers That Help” campaign to benefit 5000 Models of Excellence. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project aims to intervene in the lives of minority male youth in an effort to provide them with both positive role models and experiences in order to empower making good choices and encouraging healthy living, responsibility, respect and achievement.

“We are excited to be able to continue to find ways to better the Jacksonville and Northeast Florida community,” said Jumbo Shrimp Executive Vice President/General Manager Harold Craw. “5000 Models of Excellence does extraordinary work for youth through the state of Florida and Duval County. It is an honor for the Jumbo Shrimp to support their organization.”

For each home run hit by the Jumbo Shrimp during the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 to 5000 Models of Excellence. The Triple-A club that hits the most home runs during the Final Stretch will also generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity. Minor League Baseball is also donating to charities of choice for the other 29 Triple-A teams.

Through five games of the Triple-A Final Stretch, the Jumbo Shrimp have hit four home runs. Jacksonville’s 4-1 record is 1.0 game behind both Durham and Nashville in the overall Triple-A East standings. The Jumbo Shrimp begin a five-game set at Gwinnett on Wednesday, which marks their final series of the 2021 season presented by FIS.

“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.”

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Beloit Snappers and MILB Holding 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

 

Never Forget.

Twenty years ago, the world came to a halt. Flights 11 and 175 were hijacked and flown into the World Trade Centers in New York City. Flight 77 was hijacked and flown into the Pentagon. Flight 93 was hijacked, but after passengers and crew re-took control, the plane crash-landed in a Pennsylvania field leaving no survivors. 2996 Americans lost their lives that day, which includes the lives of hundreds of first responders.

The Beloit Snappers, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, will honor the lives of those lost on 9/11 with several gestures of remembrance.

Before Saturday’s game, the Snappers will pause for a moment of silence. The Snappers grounds crew will stencil in 9/11 behind home plate and place a fireman and policeman hat on either side during the moment of silence. First responders will also be recognized prior to the National Anthem.

Deputy Chief Jason Griffin and Lieutenant Michael Cullen from the City of Beloit Fire Department Honor Guard and Officer Kristian Zimmerman from the City of Beloit Police Department will assist with the raising of the American Flag during the ceremony. Retired Army Sergeant Bill Schenk will raise the American Flag. The flag will be lowered to half staff to honor the fallen men and women who passed on 9/11.

Jumbo Shrimp Faith & Family Night returns on August 7

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s annual Faith & Family Night will return on Saturday, August 7, with the club hosting a postgame testimonial from former Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR cheerleader Shenette Doyle and a Christian comedy set presented by Sight and Sound productions with comedian Ron Barnett.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and first pitch between the Jumbo Shrimp and the Norfolk Tides is set for 6:35 p.m. Doyle’s testimonial and Barnett’s comedic performance will take place following the game.

A native of Jacksonville and retired Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR cheerleader, Doyle has served the city as a mental health therapist for seven years. She earned Miss Florida International 2006, and has served as a seasoned motivational speaker and has encouraged girls from throughout the United States and even Zimbabwe, Africa. Doyle continues to focus on the wholeness of others, and is currently studying to pass the state exam to become a licensed mental health therapist.

Barnett is a comedian who has built a reputation as a solid performer who utilizes self-deprecation, characters and voices along with comical insights that are hilarious and entertaining, while also being appropriate for any audience.

Additionally, the first 2,000 fans through the gates on August 7 will receive a Jumbo Shrimp backpack, courtesy of Baptist Health & Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Tickets are available on www.jaxshrimp.com or by calling the Miller Electric Box Office at (904) 358-2846. Special discounted group rates are also available by giving the Jumbo Shrimp a call at (904) 358-2846.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Beloit Snappers to Host Three Jobs Fairs July 6-8

 

BELOIT, Wisconsin – The Beloit Snappers need your help! As the Snappers move into ABC Supply Stadium later this summer, they are looking to add to their staff by hosting not one, not two, but THREE job fairs July 6-8 at three different locations in the Stateline region. As the region’s only professional baseball team, if you have ever dreamed of working in baseball, we have a job for you!

We want you to be part of the most fun atmosphere in MILB! The first job fair on July 6, will be located at the Bodacious Shops in Janesville, WI. The second fair on July 7, will take at the Beloit Transfer Station (Downtown Bust Stop) at 225 Shirland Avenue. Finally, the July 8 job fair will be located at the CherryVale Mall in Rockford, IL. The job fair on July 7 will run from 6-8 pm, while the job fairs on July 6 & 8 will run from 4-7 pm.

Interested applicants are encouraged to fill out an application form prior to the job fair, bring their resume, dress in business professional attire, and come prepared to interview on-site. We’ll be grilling up burgers and hot dogs during the first two job fairs, so bring your appetite, too.

Available game day staff positions include concessions supervisors, line cooks, cashiers, and food runners, security, ushers, cleaning attendants, grounds crew, ticketing, and retail. Candidates will be expected to work all Snappers home games at ABC Supply Stadium during the 2021 season, including nights, weekends, and holiday dates, and should view the team’s schedule in advance at SnappersBaseball.com to ensure their availability.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GAME DAY APPLICATION

CLICK HERE FOR GERONIMO (FOOD SERVICE) APPLICATION

Questions in advance of the job fair may be directed to [email protected] or by calling (608) 362-2272.

Blue Wahoos, SFOC Team To Help Pensacola Habitat For Humanity

 

Undeterred by thick humidity, or the soaking from two rain showers, several Blue Wahoos employees extended the team’s community impact Monday in a special way.

The group, which included team vice president Donna Kirby, joined with members from entities within the Studer Family of Companies to help construction of two homes in a partnership with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

The adjacent homes were on 48th Street near New Warrington Road. The three bedroom, two bath homes will soon be ready for first-time homeowners.

“It was a really fulfilling and rewarding experience,” said Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos community relations and merchandise manager. “I know everybody was super tired. We had just worked a six-game homestand (which ended June 21 against the Montgomery Biscuits), but it was a lot of fun.

“A lot of hard work and the weather was not the greatest, of course, but everyone I think felt a sense of accomplishment when we left that day.”

The SFOC group combined to help construction on the roof, front porch, installing and fastening hurricane reinforcement rods and other parts of the home.

The team began at 7:30 a.m. that morning, which followed the Blue Wahoos completing a six-game homestand about 36 hours earlier. Members from the Bodacious Café and Shops along with SFOC finance joined the effort.

“I think it is always fun to give back to the community, especially something like this, when you are physically making a difference… it is very rewarding,” said Gracey McDonald, in her second full year as the events sales specialist at 5eleven Palafox, a multipurpose events venue and part of the SFOC entities.

McDonald, a Milton High and University of West Florida graduate, worked the past several years in the Blue Wahoos front office handling a variety of roles.

Her sister, Betsy, is part of the team at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

“She mentioned to me one day that she was going out to help build, because they are able to go out and build whenever they want to and I thought that would be so much fun,” McDonald said. “So, she set me up with the person who sets up all their coordination and volunteer efforts and it just kind of steamrolled from there.”

This is the 40th anniversary for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. The non-profit organization has built more than 1,400 homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.

“As far as I know, this is our first project with them,” said Striano, a California native and graduate of Grand Canyon University, now in her fifth year with the Blue Wahoos. “They have come out for fundraisers at our games, but this may be a first for us working to help build two homes.

“It was real special for me. My dad was a home builder and always talked to me about Habitat for Humanity and how much he appreciated what they were doing,” she said. “He always wanted to do a build, but there were not any options where we live, so this has a personal connection.”

The efforts were part of the Blue Wahoos continued outreach in the community.

Striano said in 2020, the Blue Wahoos worked a combined 1,012 hours in various community service projects or one-day events. With baseball returning this year, the availability is more limited, but she is able to take requests and determine if the time fits or not.

One added element with the home building project is the SFOC group worked alongside a homeowner for one of the homes as she was helping build her house.

“We got to know her a little bit and that kind of made it more personal,” Striano said. “You are working with the person who is actually going to be living in that house.

“A lot of what we have done recently has been restoration and cleanup efforts. This was definitely a little different than what we were used to, but I felt like it was so rewarding.”

Snappers To Hold Summer Job Fair June 17 and July 7

 

BELOIT, Wisconsin – Baseball season is in full swing. We want you to be part of the most fun atmosphere in MILB! The Snappers are preparing to move to the new downtown ABC Supply Stadium later this summer. In conjunction with the move, the Snappers will be looking to add to their staff by hosting a job fair on Thursday, June 17, and Wednesday, July 7, from 6:00-8:00 PM to hire positions for ABC Supply Stadium. The fair will take at the Beloit Transfer Station (Downtown Bust Stop) at 225 Shirland Avenue.

Interested applicants are encouraged to fill out an application form at SnappersBaseball.com, bring their resume, dress in business professional attire, and come prepared to interview on-site. We’ll be grilling up burgers and hot dogs during both job fairs, so bring your appetite, too.

Available game day staff positions include concessions supervisors, line cooks, cashiers, and food runners, security, ushers, cleaning attendants, grounds crew, ticketing, and retail. Candidates will be expected to work all Snappers home games at ABC Supply Stadium during the 2021 season, including nights, weekends, and holiday dates, and should view the team’s schedule in advance at SnappersBaseball.com to ensure their availability.

Questions in advance of the job fair may be directed to [email protected] or by calling (608) 362-2272.

Blue Wahoos, FDOH-Escambia Partner To Offer Four Vaccine Clinics In June

 

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, will offer free COVID-19 vaccines to fans at their games on June 5, June 6, June 19, and June 20.

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will be administered to eligible fans ages 12 and up. Recipients of the Pfizer vaccine will be scheduled to receive their second dose at FDOH-Escambia the week of Monday, June 28. Single-shot Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines will also be available to eligible participants ages 18 and up.

No appointments will be necessary for fans attending the games.

Fans interested in attending the Blue Wahoos games during which vaccines will be administered can secure their tickets at BlueWahoos.com.

For more information about FDOH-Escambia and COVID-19, fans may visit EscambiaHealth.com.

Jumbo Shrimp, Hearts 4 Minds to unveil mural on May 30 to raise mental health awareness

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Hearts 4 Minds, Inc. are excited to create positive change in crafting a community mural designed to bring the entire community of Jacksonville together. The mural is being sponsored by Baptist Health and will be unveiled at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 30 at 121 Financial Ballpark. Its theme touches on the importance of addressing mental health.

The Jumbo Shrimp and Hearts 4 Minds mural will be made up of handprints and will also include a QR code to connect people in Jacksonville to needed resources to address mental health. This original mural will be the first mental health mural in Jacksonville and represents the launch of a broader city-wide campaign to raise awareness about mental health. The mural is a reminder that each person has the power to change in the palm of their own hand.

“The Jumbo Shrimp are proud to be great partners in the launch of this initiative,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “Mental health touches every aspect of our community, and we are proud to do our part to bring access to resources to all of Jacksonville.”

Hearts 4 Minds’ core mission is about saving lives. With Mental Health America reporting that nearly 60 percent of those in the United States are not getting the help they need and stigma being one of the largest barriers to the help, Hearts 4 Minds seeks to connect people in need with mental health providers or a supportive community, partnering with hospitals and medical providers to change the healthcare ecosystem and developing programs that break the stigma of mental illness. Hearts 4 Minds believes that when people normalize the conversation regarding mental health, it can save lives.

“We are very excited for our fans to be included in the unveiling of this beautiful mural at 121 Financial Ballpark,” Jumbo Shrimp Senior Director of Community Engagement Andrea Williams said. “Thank you to Hearts 4 Minds in working with our organization to help inspire positive change, and we cannot wait to see the unveiling on May 30.”

The Jumbo Shrimp host the Durham Bulls at 3:05 p.m. on Sunday, May 30. The mural will be unveiled prior to the game and fans are invited to take pictures and engage on social media in regards to it. Mental health resource partners will also be on-hand that day at 121 Financial Ballpark.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Florida State University To Host Youth Football Clinic At Blue Wahoos Stadium

 

Florida State University will hold a youth football clinic at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Wednesday, May 26 from 6:30-8:00 PM. The clinic will be free, and youth football players currently enrolled in 2nd through 8th grade are eligible to attend.

“I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to invest in communities throughout the state of Florida,” head coach Mike Norvell said in a team announcement about the clinic tour. “Our focus will be on serving our state’s youth by providing a positive, impactful experience. There has been so much adversity this year and sacrifices our children have had to make. This will be an opportunity to have fun, develop athletically and celebrate the Seminole Way.”

Florida State clinics are open to all youth currently in 8th grade and younger. They will feature fun, age-appropriate instruction from the Florida State football coaching staff, as well as special appearances by FSU football alumni. All clinics will have COVID protocols in place as established by the CDC, FSU and local regulations.

Parents/guardians may register their youth camp participant to attend by clicking here.

Non-profit organizations invited to fundraise by operating 121 Financial Ballpark concessions

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are inviting non-profit organizations to help contribute to the exceptional 121 Financial Ballpark fan experience while fundraising through operation of the ballpark’s concession stands and other portable ballpark food areas.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s concession fundraising program helps make a difference while also supporting contracted non-profit organizations to reach their fundraising goals. The program has supported churches, youth sports, food banks, booster clubs, private schools and civic groups. In addition to potentially raising thousands of dollars for their organizations, groups learn to work as a team, operating in an honest, ethical and enjoyable atmosphere.

“We are incredibly excited to expand our concession fundraising program to even bigger heights,” said Jumbo Shrimp Executive Vice President/General Manager Harold Craw. “It has been amazing to help such a wide variety of non-profit organizations in the past through this very program, and we look forward to doing that even more throughout the 2021 season.”

Non-profits interested in joining the Jumbo Shrimp’s concession fundraising program should contact Senior Director, Community Engagement Andrea Williiams at [email protected].

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Blue Wahoos Partner With FDOH-Escambia To Offer In-Game Vaccines

 

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, will offer free COVID-19 vaccines to fans at their games on Tuesday, May 11th, Saturday, May 15th, and Sunday, May 16th. Single-shot vaccines will be available to medically-eligible fans ages 18 and up and will be administered by Department of Health nurses.

“We’re so excited for the opportunity to work together with the Florida Department of Health to offer vaccines to our fans,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Helping get Pensacola vaccinated meets our mission as an organization to improve the quality of life in our community. I’m so excited about this chance that I’ve committed to get vaccinated myself on the dugout during the 7th inning stretch while singing Take Me Out To The Ballpark!”

No appointments will be necessary for fans attending the games. 500 vaccine doses will be available at the ballpark in first-come, first serve fashion.

“This collaboration with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos is not only a great opportunity to increase vaccinations in our community but also a model of the vital role that partnerships play in our public health system,” Marie Mott, health officer and administrator for FDOH-Escambia, said. “The COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to stop the spread of COVID-19, and I encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated.”

Fans interested in attending the Blue Wahoos games during which vaccines will be administered can secure their tickets at BlueWahoos.com.

Jumbo Shrimp ballpark job fairs set for May 13 & 19

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are continuing to build their team with baseball back underway at 121 Financial Ballpark. The club will hold a pair of job fairs for 2021 game day positions from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 19 at the ballpark.

Interested applicants need only to attend one of the job fairs, and will be asked to complete an employee application form. Applicants may bring a completed application to the job fair. All applicants will be required to wear face coverings, should be prepared to interview at the job fairs and are encouraged to bring a resume and dress appropriately. Potential employees are subject to a background check and drug test.

Parking for the job fairs will be in Lot P and applicants may enter through the main stadium gates at the corner of A Philip Randolph Blvd. and E. Adams St.

Open positions are for seasonal employment, including but not limited to all Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball home games, additional stadium events and training. The ideal candidate is outgoing, enjoys being part of a team atmosphere and is ready to have FUN while providing top-notch customer service.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are seeking candidates for the following positions:

  • FAN EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVES: The Jumbo Shrimp’s most visible and helpful game day employee, the ideal Fan Experience Representative candidate is outgoing, knowledgeable about the ballpark and its rules and regulations, and enjoys interacting with people and having FUN. The Fan Experience Representatives will be located throughout the ballpark, including entry areas of the stadium. Fan Experience Representatives will also serve as friendly faces in many tasks including assisting fans to their seats, answering any questions guests may have, inspection of bags brought into the ballpark by guests and other tasks as needed. These staff members will also direct entry and exit of guests through areas within the ballpark. Arrival time would be approximately a half-hour before gates open for wiping down and preparing their seating section and last until at least the final out of the game, pending postgame activities.
  • GAME DAY CLEAN TEAM: Team members will work throughout the game keeping 121 Financial Ballpark clean. Responsibilities will include keeping the main concourse tidy, responding to spill calls, emptying trash receptacles throughout the game, keeping restrooms clean and stocked with paper products and soap and generally keeping the stadium presentable. Team members will generally arrive a half hour before the gates open and work through the end of the game, reporting to the stadium operations manager. Candidates may also be considered for non-game day work.
  • FOOD AND BEVERAGE STAFF: Team members will assist in the preparation and sales of ballpark food at concession stands throughout the ballpark. Available positions include Concessions Manager, Concessions Floor Supervisor, Warehouse Manager, Suite Attendant, Concessions Workers, Concessions Cook, Bartender, Warehouse Worker, Party Deck Attendant, Vending Hawker, Line Cook, Kitchen Utility, Cashier, and Keg Operator.
  • KIDS ZONE ATTENDANT: The kids zone attendant will staff one of the multiple children’s attractions at 121 Financial Ballpark. From the speed pitch to the giant inflatables and carnival-style games, the attendant is responsible for overseeing the safety of those in the area, as well as ensuring everyone is having FUN. Arrival time would be approximately one hour before gates open and end time would be dependent on crowd size.
  • MERCHANDISE STORE EMPLOYEE: From stocking and organizing the store prior to the gates opening on game day, to assisting customers with their merchandise purchases, the merchandise store employee will provide top-notch customer service while maintaining organization and attention to detail. Additionally, the merchandise employee may also be operating satellite merchandise kiosks, as well as hawking smaller items in the stands. Arrival time would be approximately a half-hour before gates open, and end time would be dependent on crowd size but could be following the game on busier nights. Retail experience is a plus.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are an equal opportunity employer.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.