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DBAP Becomes Dropzone on Opening Day
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Whereas most evenings at the ballpark include baseballs flying up into the sky, the first official baseball of the 2007 season will be falling from 10,000 feet above.
The 82nd All-American Free Fall Team from Fort Bragg will officially kick off the 2007 season when they drop in with the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Night at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Bulls open their 10th season of Triple-A Baseball against the Syracuse Chiefs on Thursday, April 5th at 7:00 PM.
Following the arrival of the ceremonial baseball, the players and coaching staff will be driven on the field in Saturn vehicles for introductions to the fans. Following the announcement of the starting lineups 11-year old Madaleine Edwards, winner of The CBS Early Show’s “Living Room Live, Kids Edition,” will sing the National Anthem.
“This is going to be a great Opening Day,” Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said, “On top of our extended pre-game show, we’ve got a bunch of new things to show off at the ballpark.”
Several new additions were built at the stadium this off-season, most notably the reconstruction of the Blue Monster in left field with a 36’x16’ video board, one of the largest in all of Minor League Baseball. The centerfield structure holding the original video board was demolished, with the video board reshaped and placed in the right field wall. The Bulls also ripped out several rows of seats in the Diamond View section in right field to make room for a new picnic area and renovated the ultimate season ticket lounge from 2006, creating the new Apex Cabinet MVP Club.
The Bulls will also open the season with their first completely revamped coaching staff since 1998, their inaugural season in the International League. Manager Charlie Montoyo will be the third manager in Durham’s Triple-A history, replacing John Tamargo after one season at the helm. Pitching Coach Xavier Hernandez, Coach Gary Gaetti and trainer Mark Vinson round out the Bulls’ staff.
“New entertainment, new facilities, new coaching staff and team, there’s a lot to see this season. My staff and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to the ballpark for what should be a fun 2007 at the DBAP,” Birling said.
Tickets for the 2007 season are available now by calling (919) 956-BULL or order online at www.durhambulls.com.
Thanks to DBBC’s Matt DeMargel for this capcom story.
