Grizzlies ready to begin 9-game homestand
The Gateway Grizzlies take the field Tuesday evening for the first of nine home games in 10 days in the friendly confines of GCS Ballpark.
The Grizzlies will entertain the Schaumbaug Bombers for three games starting Tuesday. Lefty Jon Jones will start for Gateway while the Bombers will start southpaw Gunnar Kines.
Then the Windy City Thunderbolts come in for three games starting Friday. After an off day Monday, the homestand closes out with three games against the always tough Traverse City Beach Bums.
Manager Phil Warren’s Grizzlies sit at just under .500 right now with a record of 30-32 and in third place in the rugged West Division of the Frontier League.
Highlights of the homestand include a visit from Miss America Betty Cantrell and a concert for Christian Family Day.
Tuesday kicks off the lengthy homestand with Christmas in July. Kids Club members will receive a special gift from Santa and prizes will be given away throughout the evening.
On Wednesday, fans can bring two cans to help strike out hunger and receive a free admission to the game.
In Thursday’s game, the players will be wearing custom jerseys to Strike Out Cancer.The jerseys then will be up for auction following the game.
On Friday, Miss America will join the Grizzlies for Princess Night. This is no fairy tail. VIP tickets are still available for a Q&A and meet and greet session including photos and autographs. This magical night will include Cantrell throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and waving to all of the pretty princesses in the crowd. The Grizzlies encourage their young fans to dress as their favorite princess. A special VIP ticket is also available for $50 to meet Miss America herself and ask her a question during a Q&A session. This VIP ticket also includes a reserved box seat, a private photo, an autograph and one novelty ice cream item.
In 2015, Cantrell was crowned Miss America, previously holding the crown as Miss Georgia and only the second from the Peach State to ever take the stand as Miss America. She serves as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and promotes her campaign for “Healthy Children, Strong America.”
Saturday is Ladies Night and all women can hunt for three beautiful diamond jewelry pieces from L.E. Smith.
Sunday rounds out the weekend with Christian Family Day. The Enjoy Church Worship team and Zachary Freedom will perform a concert at 4 p.m. before the game and concertgoers can enjoy a picnic. The $21 tickets for the concert and picnic need to be purchased by Wednesday.
The Grizzlies get Monday off and will be back for three more games Tuesday through Thursday against Traverse City.
For more information, call the Grizzlies box office at 618-337-3000 for more information.
This story was originally published July 25, 2016 at 9:08 PM with the headline "Grizzlies ready to begin 9-game homestand."