Ogden Raptors 30th season loading; FanFest and exhibition scheduled for May 19
With the 30th season of Ogden Raptors baseball approaching, the club will bring back the popular FanFest to mark the beginning of another summer of professional baseball at Lindquist Field.
The Raptors have also updated their daily promotion schedule for the 2023 season and the Pioneer League has changed how it will stream games online.
The 2023 season begins Tuesday, May 23, when the Raptors host the Grand Junction Jackalopes at Lindquist Field to begin a six-game series.
Season and single-game tickets are now on sale.
FANFEST RETURNS
The 2023 FanFest is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, May 19. It will include the return of the fan home run derby, an exhibition game, a player meet-and-greet, and open concession and souvenir stands.
The night begins with the fan home run derby. For $25, participants get 10 swings and anyone who hits a home run will win two season tickets for the 2023 season. Participation will be capped at 25 hitters and requires preregistration and payment, and a signed waiver. Hitters supply their own bats, the Raptors supply batting helmets. Pitching will be done via machine.
Once the derby concludes at approximately 7 p.m., the Ogden Raptors will take the field for an exhibition game against the Black Sox professional barnstorming team that will spend April and May playing games against Atlantic League, Frontier League and Pioneer League teams.
Ogden Raptors players will mingle with fans before and after the game.
GAME TIME ADJUSTMENT
The Raptors have adjusted game times for the 2023 season. All home games at Lindquist Field will begin at 6:30 p.m. this season except Sunday games, which will start at 2 p.m.
Between that adjustment and the addition of the pitch clock to the Pioneer League this season, it would seem games nearing an 11 p.m. conclusion will be a thing of the past.
PROMOTION SCHEDULE
The team has made changes to its daily promotion schedule for home games, one that includes a new ticket deal for Fridays and the return of the popular Thirsty Thursday.
Movie Monday: Bring a blanket and sit on the grass to enjoy a movie on the scoreboard screen after the game. Mondays are often a day off in the Pioneer League so Ogden has just four home Monday contests: June 26, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4.
Taco Tuesday: $2 tacos with the purchase of beer or large soda.
Wiener Wednesday: $2 hot dogs with the purchase of beer or large soda.
Thirsty Thursday: Half-priced soda and $2 cans of 12 oz. domestic beer
Family Friday: Get four tickets and four hot dogs for $20.
Saturday Date Night: Buy one ticket, get one free — plus gift card giveaways.
Sunday Funday: One hour before the game, kids 14 and under can play catch on the field with a guest.
STREAMING CHANGE
A major change has come for online streams of Pioneer League games.
The league has switched from its free online streams and has signed a multi-year contract with FloSports. FloSports is a subscription service but does have an app for viewing on streaming devices, which has not been previously available.
A brief survey of the website shows a FloSports baseball subscription would provide access to games from three independent MLB Partner Leagues (the Pioneer League, the Atlantic League and the Frontier League) as well as CAA college baseball. Subscription options are monthly at $29.99 or yearly at $149.99.