Harrisburg, PA — The decision to give away a pair of home games was never easier.
Thanks to an existing relationship with the Harrisburg Senators, Messiah will play its Apr. 2 double-header against Lebanon Valley College at the minor league club's Metro Bank Park, the school announced Wednesday.
The contests will be played as part of the Senators' annual 'FanFest' — a season-opening event designed to give fans an inside look at the ballpark before the team's opener Apr. 7.
“This is an exciting opportunity not only for our baseball program, but for our fans and supporters as well,” said Cory Furman, Messiah assistant athletics director for public relations and marketing. “Metro Bank Park is one of the nicest minor league ballparks in the country. It's a privilege to move our home double-header with Lebanon Valley over to this venue.”
Metro Bank Park underwent a $45 million renovation prior to the 2010 season, turning the 23-year old stadium into one of the nicest Double-A ballparks in America: Modern amenities dot the facility, including 21 luxury suites, a spacious boardwalk surrounding the outfield and a 21-foot by 56-foot LED display scoreboard — a rarity among any ballpark.
Messiah will face the Dutchmen in a double-header with the first game beginning at the regularly-scheduled time of 12 p.m. The Senators' 'Fan Fest' begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m., though the gates to the ballpark will remain open through the end of the second game.
Those contests will be a small part of the day's festivities, as Senators' fans will have the opportunity to tour the ballpark including the clubhouses, luxury suites, Patriot News Clubhouse, television control room and press area to include the radio booths. The tours will last approximately 20 minutes.
Metro Bank Park's renowned “Kids' Zone” will also be open with all the well-known and popular inflatables. Fans attending the 'FanFest' will get a sneak preview into all the new aspects of the video and in-game entertainment, while the Senators Team Store will be open as well.
Furman said that the Senators approached Messiah in hopes of adding actual baseball to the day of fun, something that normally doesn't accompany 'FanFest.'
“They kind of view the baseball games as being the highlight of the day,” Furman said. “They view it as a way to market some local college talent in conjunction with an already fun day at the ballpark, while we view it as an opportunity to play in a tremendous facility in front of some folks who otherwise wouldn't get the chance. We're extremely pleased to be considered for this opportunity.”
For more information regarding Messiah's contests at Metro Bank Park, visit the official site of the Harrisburg Senators.
