Stadium season is upon us as the Switchbacks FC and Rocky Mountain Vibes opened their home seasons May 21 and 22 respectively. That’s an especially exciting statement as the Switchbacks officially opened the long-awaited era of the downtown stadium, Weidner Field. And both the Switchbacks and the Vibes are rolling out a full schedule of theme nights, giveaways promotions and lots of fireworks.
Whether soccer or baseball is your favorite pastime, it’s always fun to go to a game. But throw in a free shirt, hat, $1 hot dog, $3 margarita or even, yes, a free pair of underwear, and the game gets that much better. Here’s a rundown of the promotional highlights for both teams so you can plan your game for maximum fun.
Switchbacks FC
For the Switchbacks’ Grand Home Opener against New Mexico United, May 21, Weidner Apartment Homes will be giving away jersey tees. And the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza is back in 2021 with a two game celebration of the biggest fireworks show in Southern Colorado.
Check out this beautiful goal by Hadji Barry during the Switchbacks 4-0 win at Sporting Kansas City II on May 14.
“Probably the most unique night is the ‘FUN’ promotion night in October with a local company that makes comfortable underwear and other apparel—‘Free Underwear Night.’” says Switchbacks President Nick Ragain. “But every night comes with an exciting match, promotions and fireworks. Weidner Field is the place to be on match night.”
Popular, returning promotion items include bucket hats (Aug. 28, presented by Pikes Peak National Bank), sabers on Galactic Night (Aug. 7, presented by Centura Health), bobbleheads (July 23, presented by Fox21 News), seat cushions (July 4, presented by Phil Long), Free Underwear Night (Oct. 2, presented by Sheath), and Mustache Night (Sept. 25, presented by the Better Business Bureau).
New promotions include co-branded masks (June 16, presented by Capelli), mini soccer stress balls (July 17, presented by Diversus Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing For All) and full size soccer balls (Oct. 16, presented by Comcast).
Find the complete schedule and tickets at switchbacksfc.com.
Rocky Mountain Vibes
Minor League Baseball has always been known for zany, creative promotions to enhance the fun at the ballpark. That’s sure to continue as the Vibes and Pioneer League transition this season to new Independent MLB Partner League status.
The giveaways get going on Opening Day, May 22. As the Vibes host the Grand Junction Rockies at UCHealth Park, you get commemorative stickers and magnets and a full fireworks show. The rest of the season features something special for nearly every day of the week.
Sundays are $1 Dog Day / Bark in the Park (sponsored by Pet Pantry), when you can bring your well-behaved pup to the game and enjoy $1 hot dogs, giveaways and more.
Monday Matinees give you an excuse to skip out, er, work from home at the ballpark. Games begin at 12:30 p.m. and include $3 ticket discounts, plus giveaways.
If you’re really looking for a deal, it’s $2 Wednesdays. Game tickets, parking, beer and whiskey shots are all $2 each.
Thank You Thursdays double as Military Appreciation Nights. Service men and women and community heroes receive free admission to the games, and select craft beers are $3.
And Friday Night Fireworks put the sparkle in the sky every Friday night. We’re betting that the Pioneer League’s new Knock Out rule will add some fireworks on the field. Instead of playing extra innings if the regular game ends in a tie, teams will have a head-to-head, sudden-death home run duel. Each team picks a hitter who gets five pitches, and the most dingers wins. If it’s still a tie, another pair of batters faces off until there’s a winner.
Saturday Theme Nights close out each week with a mix of giveaways, characters, fireworks and more. Watch @VibesBaseball on Facebook for details on specific themes. And find the entire schedule and tickets at vibesbaseball.com.
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