Sports

Minor League, major fun!

This year at Dow Diamond, Loons fans have some big time promotions to be excited about, including the opportunity to sip on some discount beers.

The second home game of the season featured a new promotion for selective games at Dow Diamond, “Hump Day Happy Hour.” Whenever the Loons host a Midwest League rival on a Wednesday, 12 oz. domestic beers only cost $2 from the time the gates open until one hour after the first pitch. The beers included in the promotion are Coors, Coors Light, Miller Light and Molson.

Midland native and Northwood University student Michael Godschalx gathered with a few friends and coworkers Wednesday night to take in the game and drink some cheap beers.

“With the weather starting to get better, it’s awesome to have another place to gather with some friends during our weekly meetup,” Godschalx said. “It made me excited to know the Loons are offering beer deals similar to other ball clubs.”

Although promotions involving discount beers aren’t new to baseball, it’s a new development for the Midland ball club. Nearby rivals the Lansing Lugnuts and the Western Michigan Whitecaps, based out of Grand Rapids, both feature a $2 beer promotion on Thursday nights.

Patrick Creighton, from Sanford, attends almost every Loons game and has also caught games in both Lansing and Grand Rapids. Creighton is very happy that the Loons have implemented a discount drink program in Midland.

“Another promotional night means that more people will come out to the ballpark,” said Creighton. “Although I don’t always grab a beer when I’m out at the game, I think it’s exciting to have another reason for people to go to games. It’s always a better time when the stadium has more people.

Dow Diamond is not only offering cheap beers this season, but they’re also bringing back other fan favorite promotions. Family Feast Night will return to the ballpark on Thursday nights. Family fun in the SUNday will allow kids to the run the bases after the game and Firework Loontaculars will take place on select night games. During the Loontaculars, fireworks will be shot off overtop Dow Diamond after the game.

Godschalx said that although he’s excited to go out to games on Wednesday nights, he’s also hoping to catch a few of the Family Feast games. During these games, fans have the opportunity to eat hot dogs, drink soda and grab some ice cream for only a dollar apiece.

“I’ve been to Family Feast games a few times,” said Godschalx. “Few things are better than cheap hot dogs when going to a baseball game.”12