Iconic Franchise to Wear Throwback Uniforms, Hearken to Film’s History for Two-Part Celebration
In honor of the 30th anniversary of one of the most famous sports movies of all-time, the Durham Bulls will celebrate the film ‘Bull Durham’ over the course of two weekends in June.
Kicking off the festivities on Friday, June 8 will be a screening of the movie at Durham Athletic Park, the exact site of the picture’s filming. That evening fans will have the opportunity to watch the flick on a giant screen in the outfield, and will be able to watch the film from either the grandstand or the outfield grass. Ticket details will be released closer to the date of the event.
The team will honor the movie throughout its game one week later, on Friday, June 15. The celebration will come 30 years to the day of the film’s world premiere, and the Bulls will showcase numerous artifacts and props from the movie’s set. Additionally the stadium videoboard will showcase different features from the movie’s history, and Annie Savoy’s 1959 Volvo will be on display. The Bulls’ Bull Durham characters Nuke, Crash and Annie will be on-hand to greet fans and take pictures as they enter the stadium, and there will be a Friday Night Fireworks show following the game.
That evening the Bulls will also don throwback uniforms inspired by the uniforms the team wore in the movie, and throughout the game the jerseys will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to charity. More details about the jersey auction will be released closer to the date of the game.
“Any true baseball fan is a fan of the movie ‘Bull Durham,’” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “It’s a film that’s stood the test of time because of its humor and authenticity, and has provided some of the best movie quotes of all-time. Anyone who thinks otherwise is no better than a lollygagger.”
Released in 1988, the film made a large impact on Minor League Baseball. A national hit, ‘Bull Durham’ was an industry catalyst for raising awareness for promo nights, unique team names and branded merchandise for fans’ hometown teams.
The Bulls open the 2018 season on April 5 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park against the Charlotte Knights. Single-game tickets, 919 Club memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.
Thanks to DBBC’s Matt Sutor for this capcom story & graphic.
