PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 21, 2017

VICTORIA, B.C. – The action at Victoria HarbourCats games will not be limited to on the field in 2017. Entering their fifth season in Victoria, dubbed ‘#SeasonV’, the HarbourCats are excited to announce the first round of game day promotions and events that will bring added excitement to the ballpark experience at HarbourCats games this coming season.

Several fan favourite events make their return to the schedule in 2017 while also seeing a strong group of new game night themes making their first appearance at Royal Athletic Park this summer.

LADIES ONLY NIGHT presented by Emery Electric makes its debut at the series finale against the defending WCL champion Corvallis Knights on June 22 at 6:35pm. Men are welcome at this game with an encouraged donation to Ovarian Cancer Canada.

BARK IN THE PARK presented by Bosley’s on Yates returns in 2017 and is set for Sunday, June 25 at 1:05pm when the HarbourCats take on the Walla Walla Sweets. At this special one-game event sponsored by Bosley’s on Yates, fans are welcome to bring their dog to the game.

The HarbourCats are pleased to again be staging the SOCK TOSS for Anawim House on July 11 at 6:35pm with the Yakima Valley Pippins in town. Fans are encouraged to bring new pairs of socks to this game to throw on the field after the first HarbourCats home run of the game. All socks will be donated to Anawim House.

Westshore U-Lock Mini Storage again partners with the HarbourCats and will sponsor the series finale against Yakima Valley on July 13 at 6:35pm. Fun and activities at this game will have a cycling theme in advance of the TOUR de ROCK, which comes to Vancouver Island in September. Westshore U-Lock Mini Storage will also provide fan giveaways at this game. The Tour de Rock is a two-week fundraising event raising money for pediatric cancer research

Another great, longstanding partner of the HarbourCats, Mayfair Optometric returns to the ballpark on Sunday, July 16 at 1:05pm to sponsor a SUNGLASS GIVEAWAY at the second of two non-league games against the defending B.C. champion Burnaby Bulldogs at 6:35pm. The Bulldogs will represent B.C in the Baseball Canada Men’s National Championship, August 23-27 at Royal Athletic Park.

It’s CHRISTMAS IN JULY for HarbourCats fans on July 25 at 6:35pm at the series-opener against Victoria’s Canadian cousins in the West Coast League, the Kelowna Falcons. There will be door prizes and giveaways as well as Christmas music and other in-game elements and activities. Rumor has it that Santa has notified the team that he plans to attend.

The second annual GRUMPY BUM PANTS NIGHT takes place at the series finale against Kelowna on July 27 at 6:35pm. Long-time season ticket holder and friend of the HarbourCats, Helen Edwards is the creator of Grumpy Bum Pants and has become a great partner of the team.

These game nights, among others yet to be announced, will bolster an events and promotions schedule, which also features premier nights such as Opening Day, Fathers Day and a pair of Fireworks Nights.

Your first chance to see the 2017 HarbourCats takes place on Opening Day slated for Monday, June 5^th at 6:35pm. The HarbourCats play their first regular season home game of 2017 at Royal Athletic Park against the Wenatchee AppleSox. Opening Day is always a highlight of the regular season and one of the biggest crowds of the season.

What a better way to celebrate Fathers Day than at the ballpark? The HarbourCats’ FATHERS DAY celebrations take place on Sunday, June 18 at 1:05pm with the Kitsap BlueJackets in town for a non-league game.

Fireworks are always a crowd-pleaser, and the HarbourCats are excited to again deliver a pair of FIREWORKS NIGHTS in 2017.

Ring in Canada’s birthday a day early with the HarbourCats CANADA DAY EVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY presented by Wilson’s Transportation. The pyrotechnics take place on June 30 following the HarbourCats game against the Cowlitz Black Bears.

The second fireworks night of 2017 is set for Saturday, July 15 following the HarbourCats’ first of two non-league games against the defending B.C. champion Burnaby Bulldogs with first pitch at 6:35pm.

Fireworks displays are set up on the playing field at the game’s conclusion and will begin approximately 20 minutes after the final out.

“The two things we enjoy most in the off-season is recruiting the players for the team, and coming up with special game events like these and others we’ll announce later on,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the HarbourCats.

“It’s a signature of summer baseball, that there’s always something different going on. Sunshine, good friends, lots of food and beverage options, and that element that comes with something new — that’s what makes for a great day with family at the ballpark.”

Single game tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Single game tickets for all home games are available through Ticket Rocket at www.harbourcats.com/tickets and by visiting the HarbourCats team office (101-1814 Vancouver Street / 778-265-0327).

10-packs are on sale at the team office. This fan-friendly option gives 10 un-dated vouchers that can be redeemed for game tickets during the 2017 regular season. Vouchers must be redeemed at the team office or at the Royal Athletic Park box office on game day. (Vouchers are not valid for possible playoff games.)

The HarbourCats open the 2017 season on the road, June 1, in the inaugural game for the Port Angeles Lefties. Victoria’s home opener is set for Monday, June 5, a 6:35pm first pitch against the Wenatchee AppleSox.

WINTER BASEBALL TRAINING

 The HarbourCats are offering a series of instructional youth baseball camps at the Westshore Training Academy (2950 Westshore Parkway, Victoria, BC).

HarbourCats personnel will conduct the camps including Jim Swanson (MLB scout), Troy Birtwistle (HarbourCats assistant coach), Andrew Wilson (HarbourCats assistant coach), Brad Norris-Jones (HarbourCats general manager) and other guest instructors.

 Dates:

Final sessions: March 25 – 26

Saturday, March 25 runs from 3:00pm until 5:00pm, and Sunday, March 26 will run from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

Brad Norris-Jones will be conducting individual or group sessions on select weeknights (Monday to Thursday).

MARCH 10-PACK DEAL

 Throughout the month of August, a purchase of a 2017 HarbourCats 10-pack comes with a 2-for-1 Mount Washington ski bus pass, to be used in 2017.

A HarbourCats 10-pack includes 10 un-dated vouchers to be redeemed for game tickets during the 2017 regular season in any combination.

2017 SEASON TICKETS

Over 60,000 fans attended HarbourCats games in 2016 for an average of 2,239 fans per game, which led the West Coast League and ranked ninth in all of North America among summer-collegiate clubs.  Secure your favorite seat today for the 2017 season.

Seating location and pricing options are as follows—

DIAMOND CLUB SEATS (Field Level Box Seats in 2016)

$550 (SOLD OUT)

MAIN GRANDSTAND (Section 10, covered)

$395

PREMIUM SEATING (Sections 6-7-8-9-11-12, blue bucket seats)

$375

GENERAL ADMISSION (Silver bleachers, picnic areas, wheelchair seating, soccer grandstand)

$275

*All prices listed are base price, and do not include fees or GST.

Visit the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or call (778)-265-0327 to purchase season tickets or for more information. You can also email brittany@harbourcats.com for further details, or go to the team website at harbourcats.com.

2017 SEATTLE VACATION

The HarbourCats are staging their second consecutive fan vacation to Seattle in 2017 to see the Blue Jays take on the Mariners.

The 2017 vacation takes place June 9-11, 2017 and will include:

• Travel on Wilson’s Transportation buses from to and from Victoria and Seattle. Ferry cost also included.
• Field level tickets for all three Blue Jays @ Mariners games at Safeco Field.
• Two nights at the Hilton Embassy Lynnwood.

Total cost is $798 per person (based on double occupancy). Different rates available for triple as well as single occupancy.

Registration for HarbourCats season ticket holders is $725 (based on double occupancy). The trip is not expected to interfere with the HarbourCats home schedule, as the team is expected to be on the road during this time.

To register, contact Carey Shelby at Flight Centre (1-866-299-5614) or carey.shelby@flightcentre.ca

OFFICE HOURS

The HarbourCats office (1814 Vancouver Street, 778-265-0327) is open and operating under off-season hours.

March office hours are:

MONDAY-FRIDAY – 10:00am – 4:00pm

SATURDAY-SUNDAY – Closed (Except by appointment)