Free event includes open practice, fun activities and spring training game

The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks will host their Fifth Annual Fan Fest at Bethpage Ballpark on Saturday, April 15. The event will be free of charge for everyone, and the fun begins when the gates open at 10:30 a.m.

All of the exciting activities that Ducks fans can experience throughout the season will be open during Fan Fest. Children will be able to hop around in the Long Island Ducks Bounce House, get an adrenaline rush on the Duck Tail Inflatable Slide and showcase their talent at the Ducks Target Toss. Fans can also head to the Ducks Photo Booth to give their brightest smile and purchase a souvenir from their memorable day. In addition, the Waddle In Shop will be open for fans to purchase official team apparel in preparation for the start of the 2017 baseball season.

NEW ACTIVITIES have also been added to saturday’s lineup! The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance, and fans can take photos with the bunny inside the Waddle In Shop at 11:00 a.m. Wax Creations will have a table set up along the concourse down the right field line for fans to make their very own wax hand replicas. The Long Island Science Center will also be on the concourse with several fun activities for children, including hands-on demonstrations, optical illusions (Thaumatrope) and other projects. Finally, Dina’s Dynamics will be offering face painting for kids beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Fan Fest provides everyone with the opportunity to see the Ducks for the very first time in 2017. As a special treat exclusively on April 15, all in attendance will have the chance to watch the team take batting practice on the field at Bethpage Ballpark. The entire roster will then be introduced to the crowd, with players lining up along the first base line. At 1:00 p.m., the team will play its first home spring training game of the year when they do battle with their Ferry Cup rivals, the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Special events are also taking place on April 15 for select Ducks fans. Season ticket holders will get to enjoy their annual Season Ticket Holder Barbecue, which will take place in the picnic area down the left field line. The event will include an all-you-can-eat assortment of food, beverages and snacks, with visits from Ducks players and coaches taking place as well during batting practice. Season ticket holders will also be able to pick up their VIP gifts during Fan Fest by visiting the Customer Service Center, located on the main concourse inside the West Gate. If you are interested in becoming a VIP season ticket holder and attending the barbecue, please contact the Ducks ticket office at (631) 940-3825, ext. 115 or 116.

Members of the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Ducks Kids Club will have the opportunity to celebrate QuackerJack’s birthday at the ballpark. The festivities will be hosted in the Smokin’ Al’s Party Deck, located adjacent to the playing surface along the left field line. Kids Club members will be able to take pictures with the seven-time “Best Long Island Mascot” as well as enjoy food and beverages while singing “Happy Birthday” to QJ. To sign your child up for the Bethpage/Ducks Kids club and attend QuackerJack’s birthday party, please contact the Ducks community relations department at (631) 940-3825, ext. 102.

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games, and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15{2db62e8169997a8d599beca7d6013ac1e46056278d69ddd3df039f4c0be21f7d} of the US population.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.

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