Go Jackets! 1st place Jackets! Yea Baby!
After a week-long road trip, the Augusta GreenJackets return to Lake Olmstead Stadium today to begin a four-game homestand.
According to the team's front office, this is the weekend they've been waiting for.
"Thursday, Friday and Saturday we're expecting our three largest crowds of the season back-to-back-to-back," general manager Nick Brown said Tuesday.
After selling out every box and reserved seat, only general admission tickets remain for Friday's and Saturday's games -- which will feature fireworks.
The rarity of this weekend's games might be part of the big draw. The GreenJackets haven't played at home on July 4 since 2003.
Brown said discount beverages on Thursday and fireworks on Friday and Saturday would be enough to entice big crowds. Add in Independence Day festivities and favorable weather forecasts, and Brown said it's the ideal conditions for a record-breaking weekend.
"A lot of teams are scared of playing at home over a holiday because they say people go out of town," he said. "That's not the case with us. We know we're a viable option because with the price of gas and everything else this summer we're probably the most affordable option in the CSRA for family entertainment."
The GreenJackets improved play should also entice fans to turn out. Through 13 games in the second half of the South Atlantic League season, the GreenJackets (10-3) moved into first place with Tuesday's win.
Pitching aces Daryl Maday (6-4, 1.58 ERA), Madison Bumgarner (8-2, 1.77) and Craig Clark (6-1, 4.00) are slated to get starts for the GreenJackets during the homestand.
Brown had some advice for anyone planning on visiting the ballpark this weekend.
"Come early because parking will be an issue," he said. "Fireworks are usually our largest walkup crowds of the season. ... So get here early."
All games are scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. Gates open at 6.
Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
Go Jackets! 1st place Jackets! Yea Baby!
I already got my tickets for Friday and Saturday. The fireworks at Greenjackets games are just amaazing! Looking forward to watching Mr. Ripkin's team this weekend.
Hey Downtown Johnny, you loser, the name is spelled Ripken. Tell me where your seats are on Friday and Saturday and I will make sure I drop off a dictionary for you. I got my tickets from their website but I couldnt get any box seats. Thats bad for me but good for them I guess.
Going to a GreenJackets game is the most fun a family could possibly have....this weekend, or anytime. The park is as clean as DisneyWorld and the staff is top-notch all the way. And yes, the fireworks display is terrific. Be there and support your team!
Somebody take pics of those in attendance so I can have another confirmation that WE DO NOT NEED A NEW STADIUM DOWNTOWN.
I was going to go to the Braves game, but with gas prices so high, i figured i'd take the family to the GJ's game. Sucks that only general admission tickets are still left. I think we should get a new stadium downtown just so my butt doesn't get sore on the bleachers!
And fruitcake, why don't you come out to the games this weekend and take a picture yourself? I'll buy your first beer!
I can't wait for the 4th!! BBQ during the day, 'Jackets at night and then an awesome fireworks show to finish it off!! Should be a great day!! Definitely get there early bc they close off the field behind the stadium to launch fireworks. Last fireworks show we had to park past the Humane Society. UGH!!!!
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