MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Wood Ducks open season April 6

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on April 3, 2017 9:19 AM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

KINSTON -- What's that glow down Vernon Avenue?

No, it can't be.

Oh, but it is.

The lights are finally burning bright again at historic Grainger Stadium again -- thanks to the Texas Rangers. Minor league baseball is back in K-Town.

The "dress rehearsal" is today when the Down East Wood Ducks entertain perennial Division II collegiate powerhouse University of Mount Olive in an exhibition game. First pitch is 7 p.m.

The Wood Ducks' official curtain call is April 6 -- a three-game road series at Carolina League foe Salem. Their home opener is April 10 against Winston-Salem.

"It's the best thing to happen in Kinston in years," legendary local baseball coach George Whitfield said. "I think people realize now how much they miss it and being out here in this beautiful park. I think it's going to be a big hit in this whole area."

Cleveland's organization departed five years ago to take up residence in Zebulon. Until then, the "grand old dame" -- which replaced Grainger Park -- had housed a CL franchise from 1949-2011. The venerable ballpark is a 40-minute drive or less for avid baseball fans -- young and old -- who live in communities throughout Wayne, Duplin, Jones, Craven, Pitt, Greene and Edgecombe counties.

Since the announcement last August, members of the Rangers organization have worked with various companies to give the fan-friendly facility -- which is nearly seven decades old -- a much-needed makeover. The Down East Wood Ducks allocated $1.625 million for additional seating, additional parking and extra work in the outfield to protect the players.

Hurricane Matthew delayed other projects, such as a weight room and visiting team fieldhouse, that will begin upon construction upon completion of the 2017 season. Wade Howell is pleased his staff fended off that unexpected curveball. But the minor standstill added pressure to a new business that had no employees and no infrastructure.

"You're starting a business with a very hard deadline to when we need to turn the knob to start operating," said Howell, the Wood Ducks' general manager. 

Since the "cosmetic" look of the stadium is on hold, Howell devoted a $300,000 capital investment to improve the game-day experience.

Feedback he received from fans who attended K-Tribe games uncovered numerous issues, most notably the lack of enough concessions and long delays in getting served. Howell said concession stands will be added at home plate and at first base. Fans can also purchase items at either kiosks or food/drink carts that will be located throughout a newly-renovated concourse.

Waitresses will take orders from fans who are in the box seats.

Hawkers will sell their wares -- beer, drinks, popcorn, peanuts and candy -- as they walk through the stands.

In all, Howell estimates there will be 24 points of sale for concessions.

"You don't have to wait in a big line where other people may be buying food," Howell said. "They can come in (the gate), get a product quick, then get to their seats and not miss any of the game. It's unacceptable for someone to miss two innings of a game because they're buying a hotdog."

Howell isn't done with his concession brain-storming, though.

The Wood Ducks will play host to "Food Truck Fridays," which is presented by the Boiler Room. Each Friday, the "Chef and the Farmer" food truck will be joined by one additional regional food truck. Food Truck Friday starts April 14.

Howell and his staff have promotions planned for 66 of the 73 home games. Various businesses will participate during those publicity-driven nights, including Pepsi, which is partnering with the Wood Ducks on an inaugural souvenir can that will include $3 off any Saturday game ticket. The cans were distributed in eastern North Carolina convenient stores in late March.

"I think we have a great mix of concessions and ticketing promotions and promotional giveaways," Howell said. "We are still looking at options to add to the schedule, but for now there is a promotion for fans, regardless their age."

Ticket flex packages are available. Howell anticipates the most-popular will be a three-game set that includes opening day, July 3 (fireworks night) and the regular-season home finale. General admission and reserved ticket prices will vary depending on the day of the week.

"Baseball being back in this area is just as much about the entertainment value and the social experience than it is the wins and losses, so we decided to focus as much as we could on that part to where it would be no different than going to either a restaurant or a movie theater," Howell said. "If somebody comes out, enjoys themselves, leaves feeling like they had a good value for the money they spent, then we feel like we have a good shot at getting them back that we would if we just ignored that part of it."

Follow the Wood Ducks on social media -- Twitter: @GoWoodDucks, Facebook.com/GoWoodDucks and Instagram: @GoWoodDucks.