PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 19, 2016

VICTORIA, B.C. – Representatives from the Victoria HarbourCats are attending West Coast League board of directors meetings in Portland, OR this weekend, January 21-22, in preparation for the league’s 13^th season in 2017.

HarbourCats representatives include managing partner Jim Swanson, named 2016 WCL executive of the year last August, and general manager Brad Norris-Jones.

WCL representatives will also take part in the Northwest Baseball Coaches Convention taking place in Portland over the weekend, January 20-22.

Prominent on the agenda include discussion surrounding various future league expansion avenues. The WCL has successfully expanded into several passionate baseball markets across the Pacific Northwest in recent years, establishing itself as one of the most stable, successful baseball circuits in operation today.

The WCL has also earned itself place among the most competitive summer-collegiate leagues, drawing players from elite college programs across the United States and Canada.

An update on league marketing will be provided in addition to an update on upcoming All-Star Games. This includes the 2017 WCL All-Star Game, to be hosted by the Yakima Valley Pippins on July 18 at Yakima County Stadium, as well as the allocation of future All Star Game sites through 2020.

Also reviewed will be the WCL league rules and regulations for the upcoming season as well as umpiring procedures.

The HarbourCats begin the 2017 season, their fifth season in the West Coast League, on June 1 in Port Angeles. The club’s home opener is set for June 5 at Royal Athletic Park 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:

January 28 – 29

February 11 – 12

February 25 – 26

March 11 – 12

March 25 – 26

Saturday sessions run from 3:00pm until 5:00pm, and Sunday sessions run from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

Registration for all 12 sessions costs $175 or $20 for single sessions.

A HarbourCats t-shirt and hat is included with registration.

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

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.

Off-season hours are as follows:

MONDAY-FRIDAY – 10:00am – 4:00pm

 SATURDAY-SUNDAY – Closed (Except by appointment)