- The action between innings can be more intense than the game itself, and it's definitely funnier. Hosts Donald, Madison and the "Green Team" will be back again with on-field entertainment including fan favorites: Toddler Races, Retirement Village People and Mini-Dugout Dancers.
- Eight players on the Reds 2009 40-man roster were former Dragons, and we're not talking bench warmers. Jay Bruce, Joey Votto and Homer Bailey are three young stars who've spent some time at Fifth Third Field. In total, 22 former Dragons have gone on to make their MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds.
- Dragon's mascot Heater is a big fan of hot dogs. According to Tom Nichols, director of media relations and broadcasting for the Dragons, if you take all the hot dogs, brats and sausages that will be sold at Fifth Third Field in 2010 and lined them up end-to-end, they would reach the length of 167 football fields.
- Heater's niece Gem is partial to ice cream. Good thing for her there is plenty available at the ballpark, plus hamburgers, polish sausage, brats, Italian sausage, chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, burritos, tacos, barbecue, pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jack, Lemon Chills, flavored shaved ice, chocolate malts, funnel cakes and Dippin' Dots. In fact, Nichols said more Dippin' Dots were consumed at Fifth Third Field in 2009 than at any other professional or college sports venue in Ohio.
- You control the scoreboard. Well, sort of. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, engagement or just a fun family outing, you can put a personal message on the scoreboard during a Dragons game. Visit www.daytondragons.com (click on the Dragons Zone tab and scroll to Special Messages) to write your special message at least 24 hours in advance of the game. Then keep your eyes peeled as your message shows up below the video screen during the bottom of the second inning.
- That Dragon next to the video screen isn't just for show. He comes to life with lights and smoke whenever a Dragon hits a home run.
- You can get tickets! Although tickets are in very high demand, it's a myth that you can't buy single-game tickets. Stadium seating is very tough to get, but there are usually lawn tickets. Nichols said there are still lawn seats available for most games, but encourages fans to buy early as sometimes even the lawn sells out too. Lawn tickets this season are only $7.
Individual game tickets can be purchased at the Fifth Third Field box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from noon until the conclusion of games played on Saturdays and Sundays. The box office accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. For more information or to charge tickets by phone, call (937) 228-2287. Single game tickets can also be purchased at www.daytondragons.com and at Miami Valley Kroger Ticketmaster outlets.
Some dates to watch:
April 8 — Opening Day: From the first pitch military flyover to the skydivers, pyrotechnics and fireworks postgame on opening night at Fifth Third Field should be quite a spectacle. Plus, don't miss the national anthem sung by the winner from among 300 who auditioned March 13-14 at the Dayton Mall and the Mall at Fairfield Commons.
April 27 — Lake County Captains: The Midwest League has expanded to 16 teams with the addition of the Bowling Green Hot Rods from Bowling Green, Ky., and the Lake County Captains from Eastlake. The Captains are a Cleveland Indians affiliate, which, of course, makes them enemies of Dragons everywhere. Be at the first game of what is sure to become a rivalry for years to come.
May 22 and Aug. 21 — Hometown Hero Celebrations: Our local servicemen and servicewomen will be honored
May 24 — Rockin' Ray and the Amazing Skyy Dogs: They jump, they catch, they can even play "bat-dog." If your kids love dogs, this is the night to catch a great acrobatic show.
June 20 — Father's Day: Treat Dad to a game as the Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at 2 p.m.
June 28 — ZOOperstars: Big inflatable animal costumes with silly names like Clammy Sosa, LeBronco James, Ken Giraffey Jr. and even Nomar Garciaparrot — what else is there to say? Kids and adults alike will enjoy the humor of this traveling troupe of mascots. The CentiPete Rose has money signs painted on its huge eyeballs, but your kids will just like watching him bounce around the field. Visit www.zooperstars.com.
July 3 — Downtown fireworks: The Dragons host the Great Lakes Loons at 7 p.m. After the game, you'll be in the perfect place downtown to see the City of Dayton's annual fireworks show.
July 29 — Birdzerk!: When Birdzerk and friends join with Gem, Heater and the Green Team, no one is safe from a hilarious prank. Visit www.birdzerk.com.
Aug. 11 — The Famous Chicken: Gem and Heater will be joined by that crazy mascot, The Famous San Diego Chicken. Antics are sure to ensue. Visit www.famouschicken.com.
April 10 and 30, May 20, June 28, July 21, Aug. 22 — Friends and Family Nights: Get four lawn tickets, four hats and four McDonald's value meal vouchers for $40. Friends and Family tickets are available at the Dragons box office and online at www.daytondragons.com.
Speaking of tickets...
There are numerous ticket options if you’re bringing a group to the ballpark. Pick the option that works best for your group’s size, age and price range.
Group seats — Any group of 10 or more: Everyone in your group gets to sit together just beyond third base and your group's name will be displayed on the video board. Plus someone in each group wins a special raffle prize. Cost: $10 per ticket.
Luxury suite — 15 people: See the game in style from the club-level of the ballpark. Your suite has indoor and outdoor space and a host of catering options, from ballpark fare to fine-dining. Cost: $800, comes with 15 tickets and two VIP parking passes. (Combine two suites to accommodate up to 40 people.)
Party decks — 50 people: Fifth Third Field's three party decks are on the club-level of the stadium, and they are perfect for medium-sized parties. Each deck comes with its own host, a TV for replays, and several food and beverage options. Everyone in the group will receive a complimentary Dragons souvenir visor. Cost: $1,100.
Dragon's Lair — 10-306 people: The Dragons Lair is the only outfield-seating section. The Lair accommodates up to 306 people, but you can bring a smaller group for $11 per ticket. Everyone in the group gets a free Dragons Lair baseball hat. Cost: $3,000 if you fill the Lair.