The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, begin a four-game homestand beginning Thursday night, and running through Sunday night (July 20-23). This home stretch is full of exciting promotions for fans! The highlight will be Dawn Wells, who starred as Mary Ann Summers on Gilligan’s Island from 1964-67. She’ll be the star of Gilligan’s Island Tribute Night, taking place on Friday.
From the RidersBaseball.com release:
The homestand opener July 20 is the first of two nights of bobblehead giveaways this season commemorating the Riders’ “Ambassador of Fun” Michael Gruber, aka Grubes, aka @tweetgrubes. The first 500 fans through the Dr. Pepper Ballpark gates take home the Centaur Grubes bobblehead. (Thursday, Aug. 17 completes the set with a Grubes Riding a Unicorn version.)
The Grubes freebie coincides with Thirsty Thursday, with fans enjoying $1 domestic draft beers, $2 craft and import beers, $3 Stella Rosa wine and $1 Dr. Pepper products from 6-8 p.m. The Choctaw Lazy River Pool Party is also Thursday, and for just $39 fans can float the river and enjoy an all-you-can-eat menu featuring hot dogs, brats, peanuts, chips and Dr. Pepper products.
Dawn Wells’ celebrity appearance highlights Tribute to Gilligan’s Island Night on Friday, July 21. Wells starred as Mary Ann Summers during the celebrated run of Gilligan’s Island from 1964-67 before living for eternity in reruns. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the final original episode. Wells’ acting career continued on TV, movies, and stage. She has also released several books, including Mary Ann’s Gilligan’s Island Cookbook and What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life.
A very special Dawn Wells VIP Meet and Greet is taking place at Bull Moose Saloon from 5-5:45 p.m. for $49 per fan (not including game ticket). Light refreshments and (non-alcoholic) beverages are included.
The first 1,500 fans at the game, including the VIP Meet and Greet guests, will receive free Gilligan-style RoughRiders bucket hats.
Post-Game Fireworks presented by J Paul Roofing and Construction will end the special Gilligan’s Island- inspired evening, as fans are invited onto the field after the game to enjoy the aerial show.
Saturday is Faith Night at Dr. Pepper Ballpark. The Post-Game Party in Bull Moose Saloon features the Chad Chaney Band. The Chad Chaney Band is a modern rock worship band fronted by former Hollywood actor Chad Chaney, who took a huge a leap of faith when he received the calling to leave the acting business and start a band.
Kids Sunday Funday on July 23 closes out the homestand, with kids and their parents/guardians welcome to play catch on the field up to 35 minutes prior to first pitch and enjoy $1 Mayfield ice cream sandwiches the entire game. There’s a Kids RoughRiders Wristbands Giveaway for the 1,000 kids aged 12 and under. The Choctaw Lazy River Pool Party also returns, and for just $39 fans can float the river and enjoy an all-you-can-eat menu. Post-Game Fireworks are presented by Nuts for You.
The RoughRiders are also taking part in the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative on Sunday by providing fans with information on resources available to those who may be victims of domestic violence, specifically children.
As part of the awareness campaign, the fans can bid on a Joe Torre-autographed baseball at the RoughRiders Foundation table at section 104. Proceeds benefit three local domestic violence groups: Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support, Kids Talk Frisco and Emily’s Place. Fans attending will also receive a Topps card pack, along with a commemorative card featuring an image of Torre and facts about the Safe At Home Foundation.
Gates for all home games open an hour before first pitch (90 minutes early for Founders Members).
Single-game tickets, season tickets, and special ticket packages are available at RidersBaseball.com, (972) 731-9200 and the RoughRiders Ticket Office.
Follow Blake Cole on Twitter (@blakeacole) for more on the Frisco RoughRiders.
*Featured image courtesy of the Frisco RoughRiders.