Lansing Lugnuts Opening Day festivities attracted hundreds of fans and got the community excited for the new season.
The free Opening Day block party had sponsors who hosted games, activities, food and drinks. Players and fans alike awaited the reveal of the new team uniform. Fans also had the chance to meet the team, get autographs and take pictures.
Lawn tickets to see the minor league team are $8, and the smaller stadium creates an intimate atmosphere.
“It’s very important that our players meet the fans,” Manager of Lugnuts Fan Engagement, Mikaela Higgins said. “It just makes it so much more personal. That’s the fun thing about Minor League Baseball is you can get close with the players and you can go up to see them and take a picture with them and get their autograph. And maybe someday that player will be an MLB star.”
The block party was followed by the opening home game in which the Lugnuts beat the Great Lakes Loons, 6-3.
“We love baseball and having a local team, you have to take advantage of what’s offered,” Lansing resident Annette Burnett said. “Just the sense of community and starting a whole new season, it feels like anything’s possible.”
To continue fan engagement, the Lugnuts have a full schedule of activities planned all throughout the season.
“On April 15 we have our Easter Egg Drop, we’re actually having a helicopter come over the field and drop thousands of Easter eggs on to the field,” Higgins said. “We’re having Comic Con Day on May 6, we’re having 'Harry Potter' night on Aug. 19, we’re having Star Wars Day on Father's Day, the list goes on and on.”
Dale Rindfleisch is a Lansing resident and said he’s been a fan of the Lugnuts since they moved to Lansing in 1996.
“I have season tickets for the Lugnuts and (came to) meet the new players,” Rindfleisch said.
The Lugnuts’ next home game is 7:05 p.m. on April 13 at Cooley Law School Stadium.
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