Enjoying a Saltdogs Game… On and Off the Field

By Rama Tidball

The Lincoln Saltdogs are the Star City’s very own professional baseball team. They are the defending champions of the Central Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, an independent minor league not a part of any major league team. Often, the players move up the baseball ladder from the Saltdogs when they are signed by a major league organization.

The Saltdogs have a faithful local fan club. The fun never stops at Saltdogs games, from cheering on the team to participating in an afternoon or evening of entertainment for all ages.

A family-oriented organization, the ball club is dedicated to providing the community with an exciting baseball experience that promotes everything great about the game and safeguards the dignity of the players. Lincoln Professional Baseball is committed to fostering youth involvement with baseball, while maintaining a wholesome, fun-filled environment. Fans look forward to spending memorable, affordable days at the ballpark.

Since 2001, the Saltdogs have played their home games at Haymarket Park, which they share with the Nebraska Cornhuskers college baseball team.

The lyrics of Take Me Out to the Ball Game, the unofficial anthem of North American baseball, show there’s so much more to baseball than the actual game—and the Saltdogs and Haymarket Park offer many features that provide a full experience. So where do you start?

First, there’s the actual Haymarket Park. Total capacity is about 8,500, which includes 4,500 seats and room for about 4,000 people in the grass berm areas along the first and third baselines and outfield areas. With its proximity to the historic Haymarket, the park-within-a-park sports complex beautifully enhances the warm, Midwestern atmosphere that is such a vibrant part of this area. Great care has been taken to design a sports complex that is modern, but still embraces the time-honored traditions of baseball and the proud heritage of the historic Haymarket. Haymarket Park means the history of baseball, and the history of Lincoln itself. 

Next, a favorite attraction is Homer, the Saltdogs’ mascot who loves to walk around giving hugs to the kids. If you have a group of more than 25 to entertain, the Home Run Terrace is your answer. Perched right under the scoreboard and video screen, the participants of the Home Run Terrace are usually treated to the kind of service only found at major league ball parks.

Recently, the Lincoln Saltdogs installed a brand new covered tent in the right-field picnic area for Picnic in the Park groups. The tent makes sure the al fresco diners stay dry and cool during unpredictable Nebraska summer weather. Plus, the new Picnic Pavilion offers a bar area with a variety of adult beverages to enjoy during the picnic and game. 

Fans can now have their birthdays or anniversaries announced, or surprise friends or family by having special events announced and shown on the video board. Also offered are in-lights greetings. Special messages are displayed in lights with LED outfield signage at the park. 

Want something a bit more exclusive? Haymarket Park suites are great for company functions, private parties and social gatherings. Suites can be rented individually or combined for larger parties. The suites have several advantages, including full catering options and personal wait staff; access to the Diamond View Lounge; a group welcome over the PA system and the video-board; and controlled climate inside and an exciting atmosphere outside.

Ever wish you could watch a Saltdogs game at Haymarket Park, but still see the action from the comfort of your couch? Sign up for your chance to sit in the CarpetLand Comfort Zone. One winner will be chosen for each home date during the season, and each winner will receive two Comfort Zone tickets. Don’t miss your chance to watch a Saltdogs game from the most comfortable seat in the house.

Game days and nights also frequently include giveaways, specials like the Saltdog Ribfest and activities like the Saltdogs Autograph Session.

For more information on the Saltdogs, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram@saltdogsball and check out saltdogs.com.  

Haymarket Park is always fun for kids. A popular children’s promotion is the UNICO Mini-Manager of the Game. Any kid 6 to 12 has a chance to win.Winners each receive four tickets to the game, a Mini-Manager T-shirt and baseball, compliments of UNICO. In addition, the Mini-Manager will have the opportunity to be in the dugout before the game, exchange line-up cards with the umpires at home plate and start the action by yelling, “Play Ball” into the microphone. 

The Lincoln Saltdogs Watchdogs Program, sponsored by NEST—Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans— is focused on youth teams from Lincoln and the surrounding communities. Before each Saltdogs home game, members of youth teams get to run out onto the field with the Saltdogs players during introduction of the starting lineup and stay there with the players during the National Anthem. Plus, each player will autograph a baseball for his Watchdog before the kids head back to their seats.

Finally, stay up to date on the promotions offered on the Salt Dogs website at saltdogs.com/promotions/.  Promotions last August included:

  • Thursdays – Thirsty Thursdays Tastings (a special deal on pizza and beer)
  • Fridays – Fireworks Fridays (a fireworks show after home games)
  • Saturdays – Buck Nights (special-deal hotdogs, popcorn, soda and/or beer)

Game days and nights also frequently include giveaways, specials like the Saltdog Ribfest and activities like the Saltdogs Autograph Session.

For more information on the Saltdogs, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball and check out saltdogs.com

 

 

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *