At baseball parks across the nation, fans are standing for the seventh inning stretch and singing the well-known song “ Take Me Out to the Ball Game ”. Most of us as Americans are familiar with these spring time rituals but did you know that many ball parks also have unique performance and educational opportunities available to student groups?
Parades
In San Diego, student performance groups can perform the National Anthem in front of 44,000 San Diego Padre fans. Students also receive early access to the ballpark and player practice. One student can throw out the honorary first pitch during pre-game ceremonies. A parade on the field’s “warning track” can be arranged for the performing group as the band is recognized for the year’s accomplishments during this pre-game activity.
Fundraising
Dance, cheer and band groups can perform and show off their skills prior to a game at the Padre’s park entrance. At the same time, a table may be set up by boosters to heighten awareness of your school’s fundraising campaign. If your student’s are “hams” and love to fire up a crowd while they entertain, being members of the San Diego Padres “Pad Squad” for an inning might be of interest. “Pad Squad” members go on the field between innings, pump up the fans and slingshot items into the crowd.
Weather Day
The Chicago Whitesox host an annual Weather Day with WGN-TV. Prior to the game the White Sox and the WGN weather team present a 45-minute program. It’s an educational field trip that provides students with a real-world lesson. They entertain students with an interactive and fun program about severe weather in Illinois. Weather Day is highlighted by weather experiments, trivia, video and sound effects.
Yoga Day
Yoga Day can be a relaxing game day experience in Chicago. The Chicago Whitesox invite all levels of yoga enthusiasts to take part in a pre-game yoga class and to stick around for the game afterwards. Instructors from Core Power Yoga will lead an hour-long class in the private Upper Terrace Suite that overlooks the field.
Grand Slam Night
Larger performing groups and schools that sell 250 or more tickets to a Chicago Whitesox Grand Slam Group night receive discounted tickets, flyers to promote the event, order forms, posters and other collateral to help sell and fundraise. Based on the number of tickets sold, groups are eligible for scoreboard recognition during the game, ceremonial first pitch honors, an on-field group photo, pre-game parade, Southpaw visit, photo with a player, PA announcement, line-up card exchange and the play ball announcement.
Sail Across The San Francisco Bay And Then Watch The Giants Play At AT&T Park
Whether you want to host a big, vibrant bash for more than a hundred guests or a small gathering for a dozen while sailing across the San Francisco Bay, to be followed by an amazing Giants ball game at AT&T Park, California Spirit Yachts have you covered.
Beautifully reimagined from top-to-bottom, the 100 foot California Spirit yacht provides a stunning water getaway for up to one hundred and thirty guests. A tour of the bay before returning to land to watch the San Francisco Giants game will deliver an experience your students will never forget.
Back To School Nights
Back to school nights are featured late summer and early fall at Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field. The Cubs welcome fans and members of the academic community to celebrate the return of the school year with them. Guests and groups who purchase a “Back to School Night” game ticket will receive a Cubs-themed pencil case.
Traditional souvenir giveaway days are still hosted by the New York Yankees. Most of us never forget receiving a free autographed bat, cap, poster, World Series replica ring or baseball card packs. Today added giveaway days include bobbleheads, arm sleeves and pullover jacket days.
Sports Management Program
A unique program to the New York Yankees is the Sports Management Mentoring Program. It was established to expose students throughout New York to career options associated with professional sports. On a monthly basis, a mentoring experience is provided that includes interactive discussions, insightful information regarding educational backgrounds preferred, career paths and day to day responsibilities. Lunch and a private behind the scenes tour is offered as well. Students leave with an understanding of the business side of a sports franchise and potential career options that exist.
Phillies High School Series
Philadelphia Phillies offer a “Phillies High School Series” program. High school students, chaperones and teachers are invited to go behind-the-scenes in the business of baseball and find out what it’s like to work for a major league baseball team at this exclusive pre-game event! STEM classrooms…Attend the Philadelphia Phillies Science Festival Day! This fun day features various science exhibits throughout the ballpark.
Parks and Students Giving Back
In response to the devastating hurricanes that ravaged Puerto Rico, Florida and Texas, the New York Mets hold hurricane relief drives throughout the season to help those impacted by the hurricanes. Last year Mets fans and New Yorkers heeded the call, turning out in full force to help others in need. The Mets collected over 300,000 pounds of food, water, diapers, toiletries, paper products and more.
The Mets also partnered with “New York Cares” last year on the 12th Annual “Warm-Up” Holiday Coat Drive at Citi Field presented by United Healthcare. Mets outfielder Michael Conforto worked alongside volunteers to collect more than 1,200 coats from fans who came out to the ballpark to donate new or gently-used coats to help New Yorkers in need.
Most MLB Baseball teams have a charity foundation and participate in multiple fundraising events throughout the season. Team websites have event and activity lists that can be accessed for the season.
Basketball Perks For Groups Too…
While performing at Disney World or Epcot Center in Orlando, attend an Orlando Magic game and have access to all of these fun perks…
- Take a piece of the game home with your group when you get to cut down the net at the end of the game.
- Showcase your group’s talent in front of thousands of Magic fans with a pre-game or half-time performance on the court. Receive a digital photo and video of the performance.
- National anthem performance.
- National anthem flag presentation.
- Gather with your group and take a photo on the court after the Magic game.
- Honor a deserving individual or the group by recognizing them at center court prior to tip-off or during half-time.
- Let you group come down to the main floor of the Amway Center right after the Magic game. Let them emulate their favorite players by taking a shot on the main court.
- Your group can get into the Amway Center prior to the general public and sit in the Ultimate Section to watch the players go through their pre-game routines.
- Play where the pros play! Your group can take their game to the hardwood during the afternoon and play on the Magic court. That evening stay and enjoy the pros as you watch their game.
Are you interested in adding a group ball game experience to your performance or educational student tour? Chat with one of our travel program experts to learn more about the amazing opportunities that await your students with Educational Discovery Tours!
Sources:
http://www.nba.com/magic/tickets/groups
https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/tickets
