| Now that spring training is over, we finally get to see the new 2008 Royals team in their “New. Blue. Tradition”. How exciting that the young team and new manager Trey Hillman kicked off the season with a Sweep of the Detroit Tigers, whom all off-season were touted as going to be the best team in baseball. Then we win our home opener against the hated NY Yankee’s and witness the new largest high definition video-board in the world called “Crown Vision.” Crown Vision was a huge hit with the fans.
Moving on to the Royals first homestand weekend, I got the pleasure to attend one of the first special promo days of many to come this season. I attended the debut of the new powder blue uniform along with the first 20,000 fans getting their own replica “Billy Butler” powder blue jersey. No bad knock-offs here, they are the really nice quality jersey material that button down like the real jersey.
Despite the freezing weather, the turn out for this promo was incredible and a reported more than 10,000 fans got to the game two hours or more before game time to guarantee they got a jersey. To my surprise there was an even greater reward waiting (unannounced to keep it a surprise) for the fans that came out early in the blistering cold. The Royals players, including Billy Butler himself, were personally handing out the jerseys. The fan reaction was very heartfelt and appreciative. As we witnessed this event, fans around me were in amazement to see players outside the playing field.
As more fans made their way into the stadium you could tell it was going to be a packed house. An hour before game time the jerseys had run out at the gates and the massive lines around the jersey trade-in booths were crowded and chaotic. Yes, more than 20,000 fans were already at the below freezing game an hour before first pitch. This is unheard of and I was shocked, as I haven’t seen this much craze for the Royals since the late 80’s. What a great sign that Royals baseball is back!!! This year offers an exciting young team, new coaches with winning attitudes, and a fun filled packed schedule of many promotions & events for children & adults alike.
If you haven’t already got your season tickets or bought some individual games ahead of time, you better start now before they are sold out. A listing of the promotional schedule can be viewed at the Royals website at royals.com and I have listed a few of the upcoming promo’s below that you should mark in your calendar. Make sure to sign up for the royals newsletter and check the website often as there are many specially priced packages and deals going on that you don’t want to miss out on. Also, for the kids, there is the Royals Blue Crew Club that you can join for around $15 dollars that gets you two $17 dollar ticket vouchers and tons more free stuff. Very worth it!
Future Royals Promo’s:
Apr 22 – T-Shirt Tuesday New Blue Tradition
Apr 24th – College Night Discount Tickets
Apr 25th – Fireworks Friday
April 26th – Stadium Blanket
May 7th – College Night Discount Tickets
May 9th – Fireworks Friday
May 10th – Golf Umbrella
May 11th – Mother’s Day – Pink T-shirt
May 14th – College Night Discount Tickets
May 15th – School Day at the K – Storm Station DVD Set
May 27th – Hot Dog Derby T-Shirt
May 30th – Fireworks Friday
May 31st – John Mayberry Bobblehead
The full listing including pictures are located at this link.
Review By:
John Koehler, Entertainment Spectrum
First appearance by Billy Butler in his Powder Blue Uniform. Billy continued his hitting streak at 12 games on Saturday.
Read the review of the Royals Sky Show & Alex Gordan Booblehead Day. |
