The Salem Red Sox will open their Carolina League next week and it looks like another exciting season on and around the diamond.
Every one of Salem’s 11 Friday night home games will feature fireworks. The fun will roll on all season long, with lots of exciting promotions for fans to enjoy at Haley Toyota Field. Here are some highlights of what Sox fans can look forward to:
APRIL
Things kick off with a bang on Thursday, April 5 for Opening Night, as the Sox begin the season at home against the Buies Creek Astros and hand out magnet schedules to the first 2,500 fans of the 2018 season. If it’s a little chilly the next night, don’t panic; winter is coming on Friday, April 6 for Game of Thrones Night. House Salem will welcome the first 600 fans through the gates with Funko Pop. vinyl figurines of some of the most popular characters from the hit HBO saga. Things get spooky for Saturday, April 7 on Halfway to Halloween night! Fans (and team staff!) will dress up in costume to cast a spell.
There’s not much better than baseball in the bright light of day, and on Wednesday, April 18, the Sox celebrate their Education Day with a special 11:05 a.m. start. Rooting interests and rivalries take center stage with College Rivalry Night on Thursday, April 26. On Friday, April 27, the Red Sox will look to make a difference for people on the autism spectrum with Autism Awareness Night, benefiting Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center. The first 1,000 fans at the stadium will receive a special autism t-shirt to help educate the public about this important campaign. The next night, Saturday, April 28, marks a new hope for Sox fans with the first of two Star Wars nights at Haley Toyota Field in 2018.
MAY
The month of May gets off to a marvelous start with Superhero Night in Salem. The first 1,000 fans into the stadium will receive a souvenir of Sox stars past: a Jackie Bradley Jr. (as Clark Kent!) bobblehead, presented by Geico Roanoke. On Sunday, May 13, the Sox will pay tribute to the moms with a Mother’s Day game, giving away carnations to the moms in attendance.
On Friday, May 18, is Game Show Night, presented by Salem Health and Rehab. And on Saturday, May 19, hop aboard the Hogwarts Express for Harry Potter night, presented by Member One Federal Credit Union. The first 1,000 fans into the stadium will receive scarves inspired by the four Hogwarts houses, with 250 of each design available.
JUNE
The Sox go roaring into the month of June with Jurassic at the Park on Friday, June 1. They’ll be giving away Jurassic Park-style t-shirts to our first 1,000 fans into the stadium, presented by Amtrak. On Saturday, June 2, it’s Paw Patrol Night and Sox Strong Saturday. Fans can come get fit with special exercise-themed activities, including a community social media workout.
On Thursday, June 21, the second half of the season opens with a Throwback Thursday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the movie Grease. The Sox will continue turning back the clock on Friday, June 22 with a freaky-fun Flashback Friday celebrating the 1980s, and the giveaway that night is a Miami Vice-themed dual bobblehead of Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi, presented by Comfort Suites. The retro weekend rolls on that Saturday, Jun 23, with “90s are All That” night, which will also feature the annual Guns & Hoses game, presented by ServPro.
JULY
A touch of the Irish will come to Haley Toyota Field as the Sox celebrate St. Patty’s in the Summer on Thursday, July 12. Come come out to the ballpark on Saturday, July 21, and call your shot on Salute to Sandlot, marking 25 years since the release of the classic baseball film.
With Mars as close to the earth as it has been since 2003, the Red Sox take aim at the Red Planet on Friday, July 27, with a Mission Mars game, presented by Salem Health & Rehab. After that, it’s Christmas in July on Saturday, July 28. The first 1,000 fans to arrive will get a special Mugsy snow globe.
AUGUST
The Sox will open August with African-American Heritage Night at Haley Toyota Field on Friday, August 10. The first 1,000 fans to arrive will take home a tribute to two players everyone should know, with a dual bobblehead of legendary Negro League pitcher Satchel Paige and Roanoke-born Negro Leaguer Larry LeGrande. Larry will even be at the stadium and take part in a special VIP autograph session at the game. On Saturday, August 11, fans will celebrate Mugsy’s Birthday with the second Star Wars night of the year, and let the younger fans take the wheel with Kids Take Over the Ballpark Night, presented by Blue Eagle Credit Union.
It’s Pirates & Princesses night on Friday, August 17, featuring a giveaway of tiaras and eye-patches for younger fans. It’s also Pink at the Park Night, helping to raise funds for Susan G Komen Virginia Blue Ridge. The next night is H-O-K-I-E-S Kickoff Night on Saturday, August 18.
August keeps on rolling with Hockey Night on Thursday, August 23. Finally, it’s Augtoberfest on Friday, August 31. The first 1,000 adult fans in attendance will receive a Salem Red Sox beer stein.
SEPTEMBER
On Saturday, September 1, the Sox will pay tribute to our men and women in uniform with Military Appreciation Night, presented by BAE Systems. Then, on Sunday, September 2, it will be Vs. Cancer Night. The Sox are joining forces with Vs. Cancer to create awareness and raise money for childhood cancer. Fans, staff and players will be helping to fundraise, and half of all money raised will be donated to Carilion Children’s.
The regular season draws to a close on Monday, September 3, with Fan Appreciation Day, presented by the Virginia Birth Father Registry. Also, the 2017 Mystery Bobblehead Day was such a hit that it’s coming back. The Sox will give away bobbleheads with brown bags masking the identity of the goodies within.
For more information on the 2018 Salem Red Sox season and ticket information, fans can visit the Haley Toyota Field box office, call 540-389-3333, or visit the team website.
