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Published On: April 29th, 2016

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Growlers are excited to release their full promotional schedule for the 2016 season.  The schedule is jam packed of amazing fireworks shows, unique bobblehead giveaways, hysterical entertainment acts, and a former WWE Champion!

The full promotional schedule can be found here. Read more for all of the season's highlights!

Opening Week

The Growlers Opening Night is Tuesday, May 31.  Opening weekend will feature Susan G. Komen Night presented by WWMT Newschannel 3 on Friday, June 3 along with Borgess’ Home Run for Life and the Growlers first post-game fireworks and Wham City Lights show. On that Saturday, the Growlers will wear Kalamazoo Cabbies jerseys in honor of the 2014 “Name Your Team” contest.

Specialty Jerseys

The Kalamazoo Growlers will debut five new jerseys this year, which will be auctioned after each game. The Cabbies jersey (June 4), Uncle Porter (July 4), a Storm Trooper Jersey on this year’s Star Wars Night (July 17) and the Emojersey, displaying the top 25 fan-voted emojis (August 13). A new light blue alternate jersey will be worn on all marquee nights.

Bobbleheads

Four different bobbleheads will be featured in 2016 including Jordan Zimmermann (June 3/June 11), Porter’s Ark (June 18/June 24), Porter on the Pitch (July 16/August 13), and PJ Fleck “Row the Boat” (July 29/August 6). Bobblehead giveaways are designated for 5-game pack & season ticket holders only.

Fireworks

The Growlers will feature six different post-game fireworks shows that will dazzle and amaze all in attendance.  These shows will take place on June 3, June 10, June 24, July 2, July 4, and July 29. The highlight of these shows will be on July 2nd and 4th as part of the Independence Day weekend. 

Celebrity Appearance

WWE Champion, Matt Hardy will be in attendance on June 10 as part of wrestling night at the ballpark.  The Growlers will also host former Detroit Tigers pitcher Frank Tanana on June 24, Making a Murderer’s Dean Strang on June 25, American Idol’s Matt Giraud on July, and two-time Olympic gold soccer player Lindsay Tarpley on July 16.

Entertainment Acts

Dancing puppeteer The Amazing Christopher will open the Growlers entertainment schedule with his Michael Jackson act on Ladies Night, June 11. Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey will herd the cattle on the field June 18, Zeke the Wonderdog will appear for Bark in the Park Night on June 19, and Mad Chad the Chainsaw Juggler will amaze on June 25. Two friendly inflatable acts will come to the ballpark in July, family favorites the ZOO!perstars (7/2) and the Inflatamaniacs (7/16). Closing out the season Dave “The Bullet” Smith will perform his can’t-miss Human Cannonball act on August 6, and the wacky antics of Reggy the Purple Party Dude will have you laughing your tail off on August 13. Fans can also enjoy a petting zoo and appearance from Detroit Tigers mascot Paws for KalamaZOO Night on June 18.

Special Events

The Growlers will host the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure on May 14, America On Tap Beer Festival May 21, Island Fest from June 16-18, Farmer’s Market at the Ballpark on July 14 and Cancer Families United Kickball Tournament on August 28.

The Growlers will host their home opener on Tuesday, May 31 when they take on the Lakeshore Chinooks.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.  Single-game tickets for the 2016 season will go on sale at 9:00 am on Friday, April 29th.

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