Box office opens at 10:00 a.m.; festivities start at 8:00
(Central Islip, N.Y., March 22, 2014) – With warmer weather in the forecast, the Ducks hope everyone will join in all of the fun-filled activities at Bethpage Ballpark today for Opening Day of Ticket Sales! The excitement will get underway at 8:00 a.m., with the box office opening at 10:00 a.m. for 2014 individual ticket sales.
A carnival-like atmosphere will descend upon Bethpage Ballpark beginning at 8:00 with The Wiseman and Frank from B-103 emceeing the festivities. Peppa Pig of Nick Jr. fame along with Long Island’s favorite mascot, QuackerJack will be on hand to pose for pictures with fans. They’ll be joined by baseball legend Buddy Harrelson, manager Kevin Baez and 2012 Atlantic League Championship Series MVP Dan Lyons. Fans will also have the exclusive opportunity to take pictures with the Atlantic League championship trophy.
All children in attendance on Saturday will have the exclusive privilege of being the first to try out the brand new Ducks Inflatable Slide. The newest addition to the ballpark will be open beginning at 8:00 along with the always-popular Ducks Bounce House. Those looking for more fun at the Duck Pond can also visit the Wax Creations table on the plaza and get their very own wax hand replicas. The Waddle In Shop will open up at 9:00 a.m., and fans will be able to browse and purchase a wide selection of brand new Ducks apparel.
While waiting in line for tickets, fans will be treated to a variety of complimentary snacks and beverages, courtesy of Centerplate. Snacks will include bagels, Hebrew National hot dogs, North Fork Chip samples and Kona Ice frozen ice treats. Warm beverages such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available along with water, Pepsi soft drinks and Tropical Smoothie Café samples.
All of the excitement will lead into the opening of the Bethpage Ballpark box office at 10:00 a.m. Prior to the opening, the Czark Family, who are the first fans in line for tickets, will receive a $500 gift card, courtesy of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, for being the first fans in line. They will also receive other special prizes from the Ducks while the first 10 fans in line will take home a $10 cash card to spend at Sports Authority. The 15th Anniversary Season Promotional Schedule has been announced and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
Following the opening of the ticket windows, Long Island-based rock and roll band Tony K. & Boardwalk will be performing live on the plaza. The four-man crew will play several classic fan favorites, spanning the decades, throughout the rest of the morning. Tony K. & Boardwalk ‘brings the songs that made rock and roll what it is today back to life.’
Ducks season ticket holders are also invited out to take part in the first-ever Season Ticket Holder Pick-Up Party. The team will be introducing a brand new program on Saturday that is exclusive for season ticket holders. “Meet the Flockers” will allow season ticket holders to be highlighted on the DuckVision video board throughout the 2014 campaign, as the organization thanks its most loyal fans for being a part of the ‘Faithful Flock.’ Those with season ticket packages can pick up their ticket books at the Ticket Kiosk located across from the box office and have their picture taken to be displayed on DuckVision during the season. Ticket representatives will also be on hand to show fans interested in purchasing ticket packages some of the best available seats at the Duck Pond.
On Friday morning, the Czark Family of Setauket arrived at Bethpage Ballpark nearly 30 hours before Long Island Ducks individual tickets go on sale for the 2014 season. In doing so, they became the first fans in line for the team’s annual Opening Day of Ticket Sales, ending a streak of four consecutive seasons in which the Kamer family was the first fans in line. The Czarks will be the first to purchase their tickets when the box office opens.
“Spring has officially sprung, and seeing the Czark Family already on line for Ducks tickets is a sign that baseball season is rapidly approaching,” says Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff.
Christopher and Sharon Czark, along with their children Patrick, 12, Brianna, 7 and Kaylin, 7, claimed their spot as “first fans in line” by setting up a tent and chairs outside the West Gate of the Duck Pond at 4:30 a.m. The family also prepared for their stay with sleeping bags, warm blankets, food, beverages, board games, scooters and much more. Because of their dedication, media outlets from around Long Island came out to document their story.
CLICK HERE to view a report from News 12 Long Island
CLICK HERE to watch some of the first fans and Erin Colton from News 12 try out the brand new inflatable slide
CLICK HERE to watch a report from Verizon FiOS 1 News
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.
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