It’s a Whole New Ballgame

By Drew McDonald

Prior to the 2021 season opener, it had been 613 days since the Winston-Salem Dash had played a baseball game at Truist Stadium. On Tuesday, May 4, the Dash opened the gates at Truist Stadium for opening day and a sellout crowd filled the ballpark. The Dash played their first homestand May 4-9 and sold out five of their six games.

CJ Johnson, President of the Winston-Salem Dash, said, “Opening Days are always exciting but this year it was extra special with the return of live entertainment following COVID-19.”

During the homestand, the Dash held their weekly promotions like Thirsty Thursdays, presented by Lowes Foods and Pups in the Park, presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. On Thirsty Thursdays, fans can purchase discounted beer and also bring their canine companions to the ballgame for Pups in the Park which benefits AARF this year. AARF is a highly recognized animal rescue in the greater Winston-Salem area that provides foster care, medical services, and adoption to homeless, abandoned, surrendered, and sick animals so they can have a new lease on life. This year, the proceeds from each Pup Pass will be donated to AARF.

Fans enjoyed Friday Night Fireworks after the team’s 8-3 win over the Rome Braves. Fireworks are a fan favorite throughout the season, and the Dash looks forward to continuing to be the place of Friday Night Fireworks as summer marches on. This season, the Dash’s weekly Saturday promotion of live music and Chick-fil-A Four Packs are back. The Chick-fil-A four pack includes four Dash tickets, four Dash hats and four Chick-fil-A Sandwich coupons for $36. Live music is brought to Truist Stadium by local talent from gate open to right before first pitch. The Dash enjoy being able to highlight local artists in the Triad in this way.

The Dash will also continue Family Sundays, presented by Lowes Foods, which includes autographed baseball cards and free kid’s zone. Fans coming to Tuesday’s games can receive free hot dogs for the first 90 minutes as part of the Free Hot Dog Tuesday promotion. On Wednesdays, the Dash hold a weekly promotion where fans can buy advance seats for $11.

“Our weekly promotions offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for the best ticket price or a great concessions deal, we have a night for you,” stated CJ.

A fan-favorite promotion returning this season is Warthog Wednesdays, occurring June 9, 16, and July 21. Warthog Wednesdays is a tribute to the former team in Winston-Salem. The Dash for these nights will rebrand as the Winston-Salem Warthogs and will wear Warthogs jerseys.

For select games in June and July (June 13 and July 6), the Dash will become the Rayados as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa series, embracing culture and values that resonates with local Hispanic/Latino communities. The Rayados translates to “the striped ones,” and the team name was made in collaboration with the Dash and the Hispanic league of Winston-Salem. The name recalls the pinstripes worn by Winston-Salem, and the term “Rayo” also loosely translates to “Bolt,” the Dash’s mascot.

Some other notable promotions in the month of June are Daddy Daughter Date Night (June 18), Pageant Night (June 19), and Father’s Day including a Craft Fair on June 20.

The Dash will be giving away a Classic Collection Seat Cushion on June 9, Classic Collection Pennant to fans on July 7, and fans will also have the chance to get a free Classic Collection Dash Bumper Sticker on July 20.

“The 2021 season marks a return to live entertainment. This was such a challenging time for the world. We look forward to getting back to being our communities gathering place for fun,” CJ said.

The Dash are excited to be back home starting June 8 for a six-game series against the Greenville Drive, followed by another six-game series against the Greensboro Grasshoppers June 15 – 20.

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