(DANVILLE, IL) – Fun and excitement are what’s in store for Danville Dans fans this season. From our traditional Poster Night to Christmas in July, the Dans have something for everyone.
The 2017 season – the 30th year of collegiate summer league baseball in Danville – kicks off on Tuesday, May 30 against division rivals Quincy Gems with our Opening Night Two-Buck Tuesday Bash. Fans could win concession coupons, t-shirts, or ticket for future games.
Fireworks will be in the air at a record six games this season. The first will be Friday, June 2, sponsored by Danville Township. There will also be fireworks on June 10, June 17, July 4, July 8 and August 4.
Superheroes and Princesses Night returns on Thursday, June 15. All children age 12 and under dressed as their favorite princess or superhero will get in the game free. “Adults are also invited to get into the spirit, with those in costume able to purchase a special $2 ticket for the night,” said Dans promotion coordinator Mary Ellen Fricke. “We’ll also have a parade of our Superheroes and Princesses during the game.”
The Dans will again be having our Paint the Park Pink Night on Saturday, June 17. This event supports the New Horizon Breast Cancer Support Group. Everyone wearing pink will get $2 off their gate admission, and there will be a balloon release prior to the game.
The City of Danville will honor those married 50 or more years on Wednesday, June 21.
Bark in the Park returns on Thursday, June 29. “We had a lot of fun with the dogs at the park the last three years,” said Fricke. Fans bringing their dogs will get in for half-price ($3).
And our annual Military and Veterans Appreciation Night will be held on Friday, June 30. “All veterans and active military get in for free on that night,” Fricke said.
This year the Dans will have a home game with fireworks on Tuesday, July 4, another of our nine Two-Buck Tuesdays this season. “There’s nothing better that baseball and a hot dog for $2 each on our nation’s birthday,” noted Fricke. Other activities, including fireworks after the game, are being planned.
Additonal fun nights will be a Girls Night Out on Thursday, July 6, a Fighting Illini Night on Saturday, July 8, a Pajama Party on Thursday, July 13, and the Colts in Motion Fan Experience trailer outside the stadium on Tuesday, July 18. Also returning this season are Team Poster Night on July 21, McPack the Place Night on July 22, and Rock the Park Night with the Chicago Blackhawks Band on Sunday, July 30.
And the Dans play a home game on Tuesday, July 25, “so we’re going to celebrate Christmas in July,” Fricke said. Santa will throw out a first pitch, and fans are encouraged to donate new toys for the local Toys for Tots program.
The Danville Dans are a founding member of the Prospect League, one of the premier college summer leagues in the nation. Baseball players from across America come to Danville to improve their fielding skills and batting with wood bats. The Dans currently have six former players in the majors, with an additional 21 that have worn a MLB uniform.
Fans can find complete details on the team’s Facebook page or website, www.DanvilleDans.com.
