Soddies Saturday Spooktacular To Bring Halloween To Downtown Amarillo

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A Soddies’ “Saturday Spooktacular” outdoor family movie night presented by Sonic is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at HODGETOWN and is set to bring a socially-distanced and safe Halloween to downtown Amarillo. The event will feature the showing of Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” along with pre-movie, socially-distanced trick-or-treating around the concourse, adult, child and family costume contests, and more. Tickets for the event are limited and are on-sale now online at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE, over the phone, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office.

Social distancing protocols will be in effect and enforced by HODGETOWN staff during the event and masks are required upon entry, exit and while moving about the stadium but can be removed while seated. Entrance to the event will be located at the left-field (north) gates, which open at 5 p.m., and the movie is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Additionally, only clear, plastic totes/bags and empty candy buckets/bags are allowed through the gates.

From five to 6:30 p.m., event attendees and families may participate in outdoor, socially-distanced trick-or-treating around the stadium concourse. Sponsors and partners from around the community will be safely distanced at individual tables for spaced groups to visit and grab pre-packaged goodie/candy bags. Additionally, there will be a costume contest held for best individual adult/child costume and best group/family costume. All costumes worn at the event must be family-friendly.

A variety of movie seating will be available for purchase, including on-field, reserved square spaces, hospitality suites, and individual bowl seats.

On-field, marked square spaces are available to reserve in four or eight-person capacity (limited quantity). Four-person squares (10’x10’) are $32 and eight-person (10’x20’) squares are $64. Blankets and pillows are acceptable to bring on to the field, but folding chairs are prohibited. Sod Poodles Blankets (54″x84″) can also be added to a reservation for $36 – various colors available and limited quantity available.

Private luxury suites, coterie (concourse) suites and dugout (field-level) suites for 10 people are also available for purchase as group hospitality options.

Group hospitality options offered for 10 people are a Tailgate Meal suite, which includes hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, cookies, and canned sodas, for $320, or a Movie-Night Snack suite, which includes a choice of 10 candy-item mix and match – Cotton Candy, M&M’s Peanuts, M&M’s, Sour Patch Kids, and Skittles, 10 Drinks – Sierra Mist, Mt Dew, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Water, Bottomless Popcorn, and Bottomless Peanuts for $200.

Individual bowl seats are $8 per seat. A Family Movie Meal Pack is available for purchase which includes two candy choices, two buckets of popcorn, and four drinks for $25. Standard concessions will also be open for individual-item ordering.

The Sod Poodles team store will be open from 5 p.m. (gates open) until all guests have left the park.

Fans can purchase tickets now online at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE, by phone at 806-803-9547, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day of the event purchasing will be available but ticket availability is not guaranteed.

For more information on HODGETOWN’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click HERE.

EVENT INFORMATION & GUIDELINES SUMMARY:

· All Guests MUST wear a mask or face covering at all times while inside the stadium unless seated at assigned seat/pod.

· Social distancing protocols will be in effect and enforced by HODGETOWN staff.

· Only ONE entrance to the event will be located at the left-field (north) gates (across from City Hall building)

· Gates open at 5 p.m.

· Movie scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

· Outdoor, socially-distanced trick-or-treating will be open for event attendees from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

· ONLY clear, plastic totes/bags and EMPTY candy buckets/bags are allowed through the gates.

· Blankets and pillows are acceptable to bring on to the field, but folding chairs are prohibited.

· All costumes worn at the event MUST BE family-friendly.

· On-field, marked square spaces are available to reserve in four or eight-person capacity (limited quantity).

· Private luxury, upstairs suites, coterie (concourse) suites and dugout (field-level) suites for 10 people are available for purchase

· Guests can purchase tickets now online at www.SodPoodles.com, by phone at 806-803-9547, or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office.

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Johnny TinCap Joins Fight Against Breast Cancer, Teams with Rival

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne TinCaps mascot Johnny TinCap is joining the fight against breast cancer. As part of the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink of Fort Wayne” campaign, Johnny is raising money and awareness to help save lives from breast cancer.

For an added incentive, Johnny is competing against the South Bend Cubs’ mascot, Stu, to see who can raise more money. Johnny and Stu have agreed that whoever comes up short in their challenge will have to wear the opposing team’s gear for a day with proof shared on social media.

Neither Johnny nor Stu could be reached for comment. However, through a team spokesperson, Johnny said, “Everyone knows my favorite colors are TinCaps green and red, but for October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’ll be rocking pink. That’s because breast cancer affects everyone, not just women. The American Cancer Society is helping people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early, when it’s easier to treat. I’m glad my friend Stu is teaming up with me to support this important cause.”

Johnny TinCap is one of 11 Fort Wayne area community leaders fundraising for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Donations will be counted through Nov. 2.

The ACS says it’s in need of help now more than ever. Since February, mammograms have declined by 87%, which can delay an important diagnosis for women. COVID-19 will likely reduce the American Cancer Society’s ability to fund cancer research by 50% in 2020 if current trends continue.

In addition to more than 240,000 women, the ACS notes that thousands of men also are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every year.

Despite the 2020 Minor League Baseball season being lost, the TinCaps have remained committed to community service. Through “IN This Together” t-shirt sales, the team donated $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations in August as a way of expressing appreciation for healthcare workers during the fight against COVID-19. In a similar fashion, the TinCaps have rallied their fans to donate meals to local healthcare workers. Meanwhile, Parkview Field has also served as a food distribution site for Community Harvest Food Bank and Aging & In-Home Services. The ballpark continues to host other events for non-profits as well.

Chihuahuas to Host Virtual 9-1-5K Presented by Texas Gas Service

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EL PASO – September 15, 2020 – The El Paso Chihuahuas announced today their first virtual race, the 9-1-5K presented by Texas Gas Service. Named after El Paso’s area code “915”, registration for the virtual 5K run/walk will begin today (9/15) and conclude on September 30 and will benefit the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.

Registration is $30 per person with proceeds benefiting the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation. Included in the fee is a participation tee shirt and one $9 voucher for a future Monday-Wednesday 2021 Chihuahuas game. For each entry sold, one voucher will be also donated to a frontline worker who has been helping those affected by COVID-19.

Participants will have one week to complete the 5K starting on Thursday, October 1 and ending on Thursday, October 8. Each participant may choose to walk, jog, and/or run and the 5K may take place outdoors, indoors, on a treadmill, etc. Each participant’s distance must be logged using any step app on any device (not included in the entry fee and is at participant’s own cost) and a photo of the distance must be submitted to [email protected] with the headline “9-1-5K Completed.”

Participants are also encouraged to take photos and tag @epchihuahuas on social media with the hashtag “#EP915K” for a chance to be featured on the respective Chihuahuas accounts.

Availability is limited and the event is expected to sell out. Fans may register HERE. Additional online fees may apply. Tee shirts will be mailed and/or available for pick up on a future date.

The El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation was established in 2014 to create a positive financial and cultural impact on families and children in the community through creative programs and events.

For more information, visit epchihuahuas.com, text (915) 533-BASE or email [email protected].

Chihuahuas help local food bank achieve its mission 

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El Pasoans Fighting Hunger among CommUNITY grant recipients

The El Paso Chihuahuas have partnered with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger for as long as the team has been an existence, establishing ties with the nearby food bank during the team’s inaugural season of 2014. From hosting staff volunteer events to conducting food drives at the ballpark, the Chihuahuas have seen EPFH’s important work in the community up close.

Given that longstanding relationship, the Chihuahuas’ front office didn’t have to look far when deciding which organization to nominate for one of Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grants.

“We are proud to see our friends at EPFH benefit from the generosity of MILB Charities,” said Brad Taylor, the Chihuahuas’ senior vice president and general manager. “Their work in El Paso and the surrounding areas is never ending and this will surely help their mission.”

That mission, according to EPFH, is to “combat the hunger crisis in our region by strategically procuring and distributing nutritious food through community partners,” crucial work with a need that has grown significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The El Paso community has been impacted so severely by the pandemic that EPFH has already surpassed its 2019 food distribution numbers. Last year the food bank distributed more than 32.5 million pounds of food in the Borderland area; this year through May, EPFH has already distributed more than 50 million pounds, with 15 million pounds distributed in May alone.

What does all that mean for the children, single-parent households, veterans, senior citizens and working class families the organization serves? Simply stated, quite a lot.

EPFH has been providing food to 8,000 families daily via their drive thru program since the beginning of the pandemic — numbers are on par with what food banks in much larger markets like Detroit and Chicago but with a fraction the staff. A member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network, the organization also recently launched a home delivery service for families impacted by COVID-19 as well as seniors and persons with disabilities.

Of course, getting that much food into the community requires a lot of volunteers, and EPFH does its best to keep everyone safe in the age of social distancing. The $500 grant on behalf of MiLB Charities will help toward the purchase of food boxes, of course, but also personal protective equipment for volunteers to give them peace of mind to continue their efforts.

“We are thankful for this generous gift, which will provide 3,500 meals to El Pasoans who are struggling with food insecurity,” said EPFH chief executive officer Susan Goodell, who added that the total will actually be 7,000 meals when you add a matching gift from the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation. “These food boxes will not only provide individuals and families with the nourishment needed to sustain themselves, but will allow households to redistribute their expenditures as necessary – on housing, utilities, medical care or education needs. As a result, parents of food insecure households will begin to create a path for financial and longer-term sustainability.”

In addition to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, the other winning organizations of a CommUNITY grant were Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), the Young Black Leadership Alliance (Charlotte Knights), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs) and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (Birmingham Barons).

“A program like this one shows that even without games, Minor League Baseball can deeply enhance and improve their communities,” said Taylor.

Amarillo Symphony To Perform Outdoor Concert at HODGETOWN

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The Amarillo Symphony and Amarillo Sod Poodles are excited to bring great music to the community in a fun and safe way with “Hollywood at HODGETOWN” on Saturday, September 19. The open-air, socially-distanced concert at HODGETOWN, home of the Sod Poodles, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m.

The Amarillo Symphony, conducted by Jacomo Bairos, will perform a variety of patriotic and cinematic works, including “Stars and Stripes Forever_” and themes from _Harry Potter_, _The Magnificent Seven_, and _Star Wars_, among others. The concert will end with a fireworks finale set to Tchaikovsky’s _1812 Overture.

“Performing on the field at HODGETOWN will bring a new experience to audience and musicians alike,” said Andrew Hay, Executive Director of The Amarillo Symphony. “I’m excited to see Maestro Bairos and the orchestra play in the ballpark, and we are honored to be able to offer this experience to the community at this time.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Amarillo Symphony on this one-of-a-kind event,” said Tony Ensor, Sod Poodles President and General Manager. “We look forward to bringing this unique Hollywood concert to life in our ballpark setting for the entire community to enjoy and create memories this summer together in a safe and healthy outdoor environment.”

Advanced ticket pricing ranges from $10 to $18 depending on seat location. Guests can purchase tickets starting Thursday, September 3. Online tickets will be available at www.SodPoodles.com starting at 9 a.m. Guests can purchase by phone at 806-803-9547 or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office starting at 10 a.m. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day of the event purchasing will be available, but a $2 increase will be in effect and ticket availability is not guaranteed.

Hospitality options for groups are available as well including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For more information on hospitality areas and tickets, please call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

A pre-concert band, “The RagTown Chiefs,” will delight and entertain the crowd just after gates open to shortly before the symphony performance begins so fans are encouraged to arrive early.

This symphony performance is generously sponsored by Street Toyota, Amarillo National Bank, Underwood Law Firm PC, NCW Risk Management, Paul and Jo Tyler Engler and media partner NewsChannel10. The pre-concert band and finale fireworks are brought to you by FirstBank Southwest.

For more information on HODGETOWN’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click HERE.

TinCaps Donate $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations

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Money Raised Through “IN This Together” T-Shirt Sales

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are proud to have donated $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations, as a way of expressing support and appreciation for healthcare workers during the fight against COVID-19. The money was raised through the sales of special edition TinCaps “IN This Together” t-shirts.

“We’re glad to support healthcare workers in our community while they’re protecting us during these uncertain times,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps Vice President for Marketing and Promotions. “In addition to our tremendous appreciation for our healthcare heroes, we also send gratitude to all of our fans who purchased an ‘IN This Together’ t-shirt.”

Parkview Health is a not-for-profit health system. As a 501(c)(3), Parkview Foundations accept tax-deductible donations. These fund essential needs such as new equipment, enhanced health services, outreach programs, the expansion of medical facilities, access to medication, and assistance to patients and their families. 100% of every gift made through Parkview Foundations is used to benefit patients, their families, and the care received at Parkview Health locations.

“We’d like to thank each of the TinCaps fans who bought a t-shirt and supported the Parkview Foundations,” said Ben Miles, President of Parkview Regional Medical Center and Affiliates, and Interim Senior Vice President of Parkview Foundations. “These donations are going to support our Parkview Health frontline workers. Each of us has been impacted in some way during this pandemic. Your donation to the Parkview Foundations is helping us to keep patient care at the forefront of everything we do. We’re honored to serve you and to support our TinCaps as well.”

The t-shirts, which were produced by _18 Threads_, a Fort Wayne-based custom print apparel shop, are green and read “TinCaps” across the chest. While the team’s primary logo features a red apple at the center, this design substituted in a red heart. Below that is the phrase “IN This Together,” part of a statewide campaign to promote social distancing to keep Hoosiers healthy and return Indiana to normal social interactions and business operations. Nearly 1,000 shirts were sold from late April through late June.

Fans can continue to support the Parkview Foundations thanks to a partnership that allows tax-deductible monetary donations to be used to provide TinCaps Meal Kits to Parkview Health frontline workers. For more information on how you or your organization can donate to this program, call 260-407-2813 or email [email protected].

Chihuahuas and Locomotive Front Office Staffs to Offer Support to Area Non-Profit Organizations 

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The El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive FC announced today a plan to assist area non-profit organizations (NPOs).

NPOs interested in having a Chihuahuas and/or Locomotive staff member assist their organization, CLICK HERE!

EL PASO – July 8, 2020 – The El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive FC announced today a plan to assist area non-profit organizations (NPOs). This program will provide Chihuahuas and Locomotive staff with expertise in marketing, promotion, development, operations, and general administration to serve the non-profit community which has been so negatively affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“One of our greatest strengths and most significant assets are the people who comprise the staffs of the Chihuahuas and Locomotive,” said MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford. “We are in the live event business and during this window when those events are severely limited, we cannot provide the level of service and memorable experiences we strive to deliver at Southwest University Park. This is also a period filled with extraordinary challenges for our local non-profit organizations. While their traditional functions are impacted by the pandemic, we are proud to offer our staff to help these NPOs continue to fulfill their respective missions.”

The staffs of both teams will be working as part of the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack and Locomotive Heart of Goal programs, both of which are presented by Helen of Troy. “The Pack” and Heart of Goal are El Paso-wide volunteer forces created to give back to the Sun City and surrounding region.

Joining with non-profit organizations and community partners, the two volunteer groups are made up of Chihuahuas and Locomotive staff, fans, players, and coaches with the mission of making a positive impact in our community. From building homes to sorting food, both teams have put in more than 750 community service hours annually.

“We said from the beginning that this would be about more than baseball,” said MountainStar Sports Group Sr. Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor. “With a little more bandwidth than usual for the baseball staff, we have the chance to truly be effective and even more helpful in our community.”

While Minor League Baseball announced last week that the 2020 season will not be played, the United Soccer League (USL) Championship will return to play on July 11. The competition format and revised schedule for the USL was recently announced.

Non-profit organizations interested in having a Chihuahuas or Locomotive staff member assist your non-profit organization, CLICK HERE. Organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3).

For more information, contact Angela Olivas at [email protected], visit epchihuahuas.com, text (915) 533-BASE, or email [email protected].

Parkview Foundation Accepting Donations Toward TinCaps Meal Kits for Healthcare Workers

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps have announced a partnership with the Parkview Foundation that allows tax-deductible monetary donations to be used to provide TinCaps Meal Kits to Parkview Health frontline workers.

“We’ve been offering the community the chance to provide a TinCaps Meal Kit to a Parkview Health frontline worker since the program’s launch,” said TinCaps Vice President Michael Limmer. “But this announcement allows individuals and companies to make tax deductible monetary donations to the Parkview Foundation that will be used to provide Parkview Health employees and families most in need with a TinCaps Meal Kit.”

The TinCaps Meal Kit program was launched in late April as the organization faces the uncertainty of a 2020 Minor League Baseball season.

“We wanted the opportunity to connect with our fans and the community,” Limmer said. “This program allows fans to bring a taste of Parkview Field home with them at a time where we aren’t able to open our doors for fans to come in.”

The opportunity to donate a TinCaps Meal Kit to a Parkview employee has been a part of the program since its inception, but now there is the opportunity for a monetary donation to be made directly to the Parkview Foundation to provide the Meal Kits.

“We are proud to be able to broker the generosity of our community through the Foundation in getting TinCaps Meal Kits to our healthcare team members,” said Denise Andorfer, Director of Leadership Gifts for the Parkview Foundation. “We know acts of kindness during these challenging times are so appreciated in lifting the spirits of those working hard to keep our community safe. Generosity is an empowering reminder of our solidarity.”

“I’m a single mom with four kids and I feel truly blessed by this,” said Brittany Smith, who works at the Parkview Cancer Institute and recently received a TinCaps Meal Kit. “This box had five meals in it with everything that’s needed. They were all different meals and everything was absolutely delicious. I’m very grateful for this meal kit and want to thank the TinCaps for doing this.”

TinCaps Meal Kits are $100 if portioned for two and $185 (tax included) for a family-size that’s designed to feed 4-6 people. Meal Kits can be ordered at tincaps.com. For more information on how you or your organization can donate to this program, please contact Michael Limmer with the TinCaps at [email protected] or 260-407-2813.

Chihuahuas, Bravos, Locomotive to Unify Borderplex

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EL PASO – April 28, 2020 – The region’s three professional sports teams – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC, and FC Juarez Bravos – announced today a plan to further unify the Borderplex community during the COVID-19 crisis.

The teams will turn on their respective stadium lights and videoboards as a symbolic gesture and to display messages to the binational region on Wednesday, April 29 and Wednesday, May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.

The messages of strength, courage, and unity will be displayed on the videoboards at Southwest University Park and Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez in both English and Spanish. The same will also be broadcast live on each teams’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites.

“Sports has a unique way of bringing people from different backgrounds together under one banner to cheer for their team,” said MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford. “In this case, and in our roles as the symbolic town squares for El Paso and Juarez, we are proud to use our status and work with the Bravos to provide this gesture of support during a challenging and unique time in our history. We all look forward to the time when we’re together again in our respective stadiums, but until then we appreciate the opportunity to do our part to bring the region together in a virtual manner.”

“Together, with strength and courage, we are united as one,” said FC Juarez President Guillermo Cantu. “By bringing the Bravos, Chihuahuas and Locomotive together, we can show the community we are united, and we look forward to the day we see our fans in our stadiums.”

Coupled with the unified messaging, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive and Bravos are asking fans to donate to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank to help those directly impacted by COVID-19. The Foster Family Foundation & Hunt Family Foundation, via the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, will match each dollar donated up to $1 million to assist the Food Bank. Every dollar donated feeds up to seven families.

While the region continues to practice social distancing, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive, and Bravos want the community to feel connected while in a time of isolation and show solidarity between the two cities. All three organizations encourage fans to wear their respective teams’ jerseys to show support for the effort and to hashtag: #StaySafeAtHome and #UnitedWeAreOne.

WHO: El Paso Chihuahuas, FC Juarez Bravos, El Paso Locomotive
WHAT: Series of messages to connect the Borderplex region in a time of COVID-19 crisis. Encourage support for and donations to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank.
WHEN: April 29 and May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Southwest University Park
Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez
Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas
Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial
Locomotive Social Media: @eplocomotivefc
WHERE TO DONATE: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (CLICK HERE)
__

EL PASO – 28 de abril de 2020 – Los tres equipos deportivos profesionales de la región – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC y FC Juarez Bravos – anunciaron hoy un plan para unificar aún más a la comunidad Borderplex durante la crisis COVID-19.

Los equipos encenderán sus respectivas luces de estadio y pantallas LED gigantes como un gesto simbólico y mostrarán mensajes a la región binacional el miércoles 29 de abril y el miércoles 6 de mayo de 8 a 8:30 p.m.

Los mensajes de fortaleza, coraje y unidad se mostrarán en los tableros de video del Southwest University Park y el Estadio Olímpico Universitario Benito Juárez en inglés y español. También se transmitirá en vivo en los sitios de Facebook, Twitter e Instagram de cada equipo.

“El deporte tiene una forma única de reunir a personas de diferentes orígenes bajo una sola bandera para animar a su equipo,” dijo el presidente de MountainStar Sports Group, Alan Ledford. “En este caso, y en nuestro papel de plazas simbólicas para El Paso y Juárez, estamos orgullosos de utilizar nuestro estatus y trabajar con los Bravos para proporcionar este gesto de apoyo durante un momento desafiante y único en nuestra historia. Todos esperamos con ansias el momento en que volvamos a estar juntos en nuestros respectivos estadios, pero hasta que esto suceda apreciamos la oportunidad de hacer nuestra parte para unir a la región de manera virtual.”

“Juntos, con fuerza y coraje, estamos unidos como uno solo,” dijo el presidente del FC Juárez, Guillermo Cantú. “Al reunir a los Bravos, Chihuahuas y Locomotive, podemos mostrar a nuestra comunidad que estamos unidos y esperamos con ansias el día en que veamos a nuestros fanáticos de regreso a nuestros estadios.”

Junto con el mensaje unificado, Chihuahuas, Locomotive y Bravos están pidiendo a los fanáticos que donen al Banco de Alimentos de El Pasoans Fighting Hunger para ayudar a aquellos directamente afectados por COVID-19. Foster Family Foundation y Hunt Family Foundation, a través de MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, igualarán cada dólar donado hasta $ 1 millón para ayudar al Banco de Alimentos. Cada dólar donado alimenta hasta siete familias.

Mientras la región continúa practicando el distanciamiento social, los equipos deportivos Chihuahuas, Locomotive y Bravos quieren que la comunidad se sienta conectada en un momento de aislamiento y muestren solidaridad entre las dos ciudades. Las tres organizaciones alientan a los fanáticos a usar las camisetas de sus respectivos equipos para mostrar su apoyo al esfuerzo y para etiquetar: #StaySafeAtHome y #UnitedWeAreOne.

QUIEN: Chihuahuas de El Paso, FC Juárez Bravos, Locomotive de El Paso
QUÉ: Serie de mensajes para conectar la región de Borderplex en un momento de crisis por el COVID-19. Fomentar el apoyo y donaciones al Banco de Alimentos de El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
CUANDO: 29 de abril y 6 de mayo de 8 a 8:30 p.m.
DONDE: Southwest University Park
Estadio Olímpico Universitario Benito Juárez
Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas
Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial
Redes sociales de locomotoras: @eplocomotivefc
DONDE DONAR: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (HAGA CLIC AQUÍ)

 

TinCaps Team with Community Harvest to Host Downtown Fort Wayne Farm Wagon Distribution

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. — In an effort to feed more individuals suffering from the economic effects of COVID-19, the Fort Wayne TinCaps have partnered with Community Harvest Food Bank to distribute food at Parkview Field’s “Silver” parking lot. The food bank has operated the Farm Wagon program since 1999, and has recently made changes to the schedule to eliminate unnecessary personal contact by using a drive through system.

“We want to reach as many people as possible who are living without affordable food access,” said Carmen Cumberland, Community Harvest Executive President. “This unique opportunity to partner with the Fort Wayne TinCaps allows us to get food distributed into the hands of vulnerable families downtown.”

“Although the TinCaps are not currently playing games at Parkview Field, we want to continue our focus on impacting the community during these tough times,” said Mike Nutter, TinCaps President. “We have been longtime partners with Community Harvest Food Bank and we are happy to be partnering with them again to get food to the families and folks in our region that need it the most.”

The Parkview Field Farm Wagon will be held for two weeks, and may extend for a third week. People in need of food assistance can drive to the location and Community Harvest will distribute food boxes into car trunks.

Parkview Field Distribution Schedule:

  • Monday, April 20, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field
  • Monday, April 27, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field
  • Monday, May 4, 1:00PM, Silver Parking Lot, Parkview Field (Added to original schedule)

The Farm Wagon at Parkview Field and all other Farm Wagon trucks are open to anyone in need with no ID required. Currently, Community Harvest operates Farm Wagons throughout northeast Indiana in their nine-county service area. Anyone in need of food assistance can visit CHFB.org to see the schedule and find out more information.

About Community Harvest Food Bank

Established in 1983, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Inc. feeds 21,100 people every week. Last year, CHFB distributed 13.8 million pounds of food to nearly 85,000 unique individuals. Donna Van Vlerah serves as Board Chair, Carmen Cumberland serves as Executive President, and John Wolf serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Community Harvest is one of 200 Feeding America member food banks in the United States, and one of 11 regional members of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. Community Harvest feeds hungry people in the nine counties of northeast Indiana. For more information, please visit www.chfb.org.

Sod Poodles To Host 2020 Team Mascot Auditions

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Along with National Anthem auditions, the Amarillo Sod Poodles will also be hosting public team mascot auditions for the 2020 season on Saturday, March 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at HODGETOWN.

Individuals auditioning for the mascot position must be between five-foot-six and five-foot-eleven inches in height for the costume fit (please wear workout-type or athletic attire). Mascot experience with a high school, college and/or a sports team is preferred.

To request an audition time or for additional information, participants can email Austin Jackson at [email protected].

Walk-up auditions on Saturday, March 14 are welcome but are not guaranteed and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, as time permits. To ensure a slot, contacting ahead of time is recommended since time slots are also limited.

All participants for both the Mascot and National Anthem auditions can enter through the Sod Poodles Team Shop at 715 South Buchanan next to the HODGETOWN box office. Sod Poodles team members will direct all individuals to the check-in and audition area. Entrance to the audition area will begin at 9:45 a.m.

The Sod Poodles host their 2020 home opener at HODGETOWN on Thursday, April 16 against the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate) for a three-game set. First pitch for the 2020 home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on promotions, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

TinCaps to Host Job Fair at Parkview Field

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps are hosting a Job Fair at Parkview Field on Wednesday, March 11 (5-7 p.m.) and Thursday, March 12 (5-7 p.m.) in search of seasonal employees for the 2020 baseball season. Each year the TinCaps hire approximately 600 part-time workers to serve in a variety of roles around Parkview Field, which has been ranked the No. 1 Ballpark Experience in Minor League Baseball.

2020 Fort Wayne TinCaps Job Fair
WHO: Part-Time/Seasonal Job Seekers (must be at least 16 years old)
WHAT: Fort Wayne TinCaps Job Fair
WHEN: Wednesday, March 11 (5-7 p.m.) & Thursday, March 12 (5-7 p.m.)
WHERE: Parkview Field’s Suite Level Lounge (1301 Ewing Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802)

Special Notes:
– Those who’ve already submitted a 2020 application with the team don’t need to attend
– Those applying to be the team’s mascot should wear athletic attire

Applicants are encouraged to print an application to bring to the Job Fair, where they’ll have a chance to interview with TinCaps staff. Click here to access the application in PDF form.

Positions for hire are listed below.
Those who can’t make the Job Fair are still welcome to apply at TinCapsJobs.com or by completing an application at Parkview Field’s Administrative Office during business hours.
Candidates must meet age requirements and pass a background check. The TinCaps are a proud equal opportunity employer. The team is also flexible with employee schedules.

Questions can be directed to TinCaps Office Manager/HR Administrator Cathy Tinney (260-482-6400, [email protected]).

Opening Day at Parkview Field is set for Monday, April 13 (6:05 p.m.) when the TinCaps host the Cincinnati Reds-affiliated Dayton Dragons. The 70-game regular season runs through Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 7). The complete 2020 TinCaps schedule can be found at TinCaps.com. Tickets for all games are on sale at TinCapsTickets.com, at the Parkview Field Ticket Office, and by calling 260-482-6400.

Fort Wayne TinCaps Positions for Hire
Food & Beverage
– Back Counter
– Bartender (21 or older)
– Cashier (21 or older)
– Cook
– Dish Washer
– Food Cart
– Food Runner
– Group Party/VIP Areas
– Stocker
– Vendor
– Wait Staff
General Ballpark
– Kids Zone
– Parking Attendant
– Team Store
– Ticket Office
– Ticket Taker
– Usher
Specialty Positions
– Bat Boy (16 years or older)
– Cleaning/Janitorial (game-time and 3rd-shift positions available)
– Fan Photos Photographer
– Mascot
– Mascot Helper
– Special Events
– Video Production Crew (experience required)
*NEW for 2020: Tryouts at Job Fair (wear athletic attire)

Sod Poodles To Host 2020 National Anthem Auditions

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Amarillo Sod Poodles will be hosting public auditions for National Anthem performances for the team’s sequel season on Saturday, March14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at HODGETOWN. Soloists, duets, and trios are invited to audition “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” for a chance to perform during the 2020 season.

Two winning participants will be determined by a panel of guest judges and will be given an opportunity to perform on either Opening Night or Independence Day. Many other individuals will be given opportunities to perform on additional game dates during the season. All participants will be contacted privately following the event.

All vocal performances must be a cappella or accompanied by a personal instrument and only traditional renditions of songs will be considered for selection. Each performer may audition for either “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Bless America” and will be considered for either song. Auditions will be performed in front of judges in a private, closed-off area during scheduled time slots.

To request an audition time or for additional information, participants can email Sam Wilson at [email protected].

Walk-up auditions on Saturday, March 14 are welcome but are not guaranteed and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, as time permits. To ensure a performance slot, contacting ahead of time is recommended since time slots are also limited.

All National Anthem participants can enter through the Sod Poodles Team Shop at 715 South Buchanan next to the HODGETOWN box office. Sod Poodles team members will direct all individuals to the check-in and audition area. Entrance to the audition area will begin at 9:45 a.m.

The Sod Poodles host their 2020 home opener at HODGETOWN on Thursday, April 16 against the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate) for a three-game set. First pitch for the 2020 home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on promotions, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

 

TinCaps Team with Ball State University Class

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

College Students Gain Real-World Experience in Ticket Sales

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Minor League Baseball is all about development. That applies not only to the players on the field, but on the front office side as well.

With that mission in mind, the Fort Wayne TinCaps annually have partnered with Ball State University’s Sports Administration Program. The program actually predates the TinCaps, going back to 2008, when the team was known as the Fort Wayne Wizards. In a mutually beneficial program, BSU students gain real-world experience by making sales calls to TinCaps fans who’ve attended games in the past.

For students, it’s an immersive learning project that can’t be replicated in a regular classroom setting. Meanwhile, for the TinCaps, the partnership enables the team to keep contact with hundreds of fans during the winter.

“Many sport administration graduates don’t have the opportunity to make any real sales calls until they’re in their first job out of college,” said Paige Watson, TinCaps Director of Ticketing. “This partnership with Ball State gives students a head start in experience while still in school.”

As part of their professional development, students taking “Revenue Generation in Sport” also benefit from the chance to network with TinCaps full-time staff members. Over the years, the program has led to several students earning internships with the team and in some cases, even full-time employment. In fact, Watson was once a student in the class herself.

The 2020 program kicked off on Jan. 17 when this year’s class traveled from Muncie to Parkview Field. Professor Eric Klosterman‘s group toured the award-winning ballpark and also received training from Watson. Over the course of the spring semester, other members of the TinCaps Ticket Office and Ticket Account Management staff will visit the class on campus in Muncie for additional training and oversight.

“We truly appreciate the chance to team up with the TinCaps,” said Klosterman, Ball State’s Assistant Lecturer of Sport Administration and Coordinator of Undergraduate Sport Administration Program. “It’s an invaluable experience for our students to work with a professional organization. That the TinCaps are a first-class operation and one of the top franchises in all of minor league sports just makes it that much more impactful. TinCaps staff members go out of their way to make sure this is a meaningful experience for students.”

“As a student, this class not only helped me gain experience that was applicable to work after college,” Watson said. “But it also helped me become more familiar with the organization and the front office staff here, eventually leading to my full-time employment with the team.”

Watson is one of six Ball State alums currently on the full-time staff for the TinCaps.

“We’re grateful to have this partnership with Ball State,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “Just about everyone working in this industry had guidance from professionals at some point as they were coming up. We’re glad to be able to pay it forward to BSU’s students and at the same time, we appreciate the help they’re providing us in return. It’s a credit to everyone involved in the program that it has produced interns and full-time employees for us in the past and we hope that trend continues for many years to come.”

The TinCaps open their 12th season at Parkview Field on Monday, April 13 (6:05 p.m.) against the Cincinnati Reds-affiliated Dayton Dragons. Tickets to all games are on sale at TinCapsTickets.com, at the Parkview Field Ticket Office, and by calling 260-482-6400.

Sod Poodles Announce Reading Program Presented by Kumon

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Amarillo Sod Poodles announced today the launch of their brand-new reading program presented by Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo.

The program’s mission is to help promote literacy and education among local Amarillo and Canyon students by providing incentives when they reach specific goals. The program is completely free for participating schools and is set to impact approximately 9,000 students in Amarillo and Canyon school districts in levels K-7.

“The Sod Poodles are committed to making a continued positive impact in our great community,” said Tony Ensor, President and General Manager of the Sod Poodles. “We are excited and proud to launch this motivating and fun program heading into our sequel season to promote lifelong reading and education to the future leaders of this community.”

“Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo is proud to announce our new partnership with the Amarillo Sod Poodles, who share our mission to help children succeed in life!” said Vibha Patel, owner of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo. “This is a new, multi-year marketing partnership between the world’s largest after-school learning program and the first-ever Sod Poodles Reading Program. In addition to enhancing math and reading skills, Kumon helps children gain confidence and improve critical thinking skills that are essential to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to reach children of all ages and emphasize the importance of learning and reading through sports. By providing a fun goal for our children, reading can be made easy for the whole family and increase reading fluency by just reading 10 minutes a night! We want to encourage our children to see a whole new world through books!”

“We look forward to partnering with the Sod Poodles on this reading incentive program,” said Denise Blanchard, AISD Program Director for Community Partnerships. “The ability to read and read well is imperative to the success of our students.”

Intended as a five-week program, students are encouraged to “complete a game” by reading nine books that are appropriate to their particular level of reading comprehension.

Like a baseball game, the program is divided into a nine-inning format. For every book a student finishes, they complete an inning. After the first three innings are completed and he/she moves on to innings four through eight, the students earn incentives from program sponsors including Whataburger, Cinergy, McDonald’s, Sonic, and Gatti’s.

After a student finishes the ninth (final) inning, they receive a free voucher for a Sod Poodles game and are entered in a drawing to win a prize on behalf of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo.

All materials for the free reading program will be provided and delivered to schools by the Amarillo Sod Poodles. The program is scheduled to run from March 2 to April 3.

To kick off the program, Sod Poodles team mascot RUCKUS will be attending school assemblies to promote the program and get students excited.

For information on how to be a part of next year’s Sod Poodles reading program presented by Kumon, call the front office at 806-803-7762 or email [email protected]. The Sod Poodles host their 2020 home opener at HODGETOWN on Thursday, April 16 against the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate) for a three-game set. First pitch for the 2020 home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on promotions, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].