The Somerset Patriots are holding the annual Fan Fest at TD Bank Ballpark from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2016.
BRIDGEWATER - The Somerset Patriots have rescheduled its annual Fan Fest at TD Bank Ballpark to noon to 3 p.m. April 16.
It was originally scheduled to be held Saturday, but was moved because of the forecast for snow.
"We decided to postpone the event a week so that our fans will be able to enjoy the experience of coming out to the ballpark without dealing with what is expected to be nasty weather," said Patrick McVerry, president and general manager of the Somerset Patriots. "For fans enjoyment and safety, it made sense to move the event back and be able to add a few extra perks such as having the entire team here to meet fans and have a spring training intra-squad game so fans can see the team getting ready for the season."
There is no charge to attend the Fan Fest, which includes a chance for fans to meet and get autographs from baseball legend and the team's manager emeritus Sparky Lyle, 2015 Atlantic League Manager of the Year Brett Jodie, new hitting and third base coach Glen Barker and pitching coach Cory Domel, according to a news release.
Opening day of the 2016 season is April 21. Last season, the Somerset Patriots won their Atlantic League leading sixth championship. The independent baseball league has eight teams from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland and Texas.
All of the Patriots players are expected to be in attendance.
The first 500 children who come will receive a Patriots Tote Bag, according to the release, and fans will be able to participate in carnival games and activities, as well as be entertained by clowns, face painters and the Patriots' mascots Sparkee, Slider and General Admission. All kids get to run the bases at 2:30 p.m.
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Kids will be able to interview with Spearhead Staffing representatives for the chance to become the Somerset Patriots Kid CEO for the 2016 season, which will give one kid a chance to work and learn all the different aspects of running a baseball team.
A special ticket deal will be available on Saturday: Anyone purchasing a ticket for opening day will receive a ticket to a second game at no charge. The Patriots will also have special discounted pricing for Mini Plan packages and there will be information about season tickets, according to the news release.
Fans can take tours of the Diamond Club and the Suites and the new Birthday Suite, which will be completed for the upcoming season. The Patriots Team Store will also be open.
Various partner tables will be on site including TD Bank, AT&T, Branchburg Sports Complex, Operation Shoebox New Jersey, New York Life, Hidden Hollow Acres and Horizon Services. At the event, AT&T and the Somerset Patriots will launch this year's Fan Choice Bobblehead promotion.
The Somerset Patriots have teamed up with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to host a blood drive at the event. All donors will receive a ticket voucher to enjoy a future Somerset Patriots game for participating.
The band Acoustic Road and a 19th century baseball game between the Flemington Neshanock and the Atlantic BBC had been planned as part of Saturday's Fan Fest.