Hitting A Home Run

Naturals offer four games this weekend

Getting families out to the ballgame is the goal of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, says General Manager Justin Cole. The AA farm team for the Kansas City Royals offers family-friendly entertainment on and off the field this weekend at Arvest Ballpark, he adds, with special events that celebrate Memorial Day.

The weekend homestand includes four games, against the San Antonio (Texas) Missions at 7:05 p.m. today and against the Corpus Christi (Texas) Hooks at 6:05 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and at 1:05 p.m. Memorial Day.

FAQ

Naturals Baseball

WHEN — 7:05 p.m. today; 6:05 p.m. Saturday & Sunday; 1:05 p.m. Monday

WHERE — Arvest Ballpark in Springdale

COST — $7-$12 in advance; $8-$13 game day

INFO — nwanaturals.com

"We do a lot of things that cater to families," says Cole, who has been general manager for just a year. "And that starts with keeping ticket prices low."

Tickets range from $7 to $12 in advance or $8 to $13 game day, and in honor of Memorial Day, veterans and those currently serving in the military will get a buy-one-get-one-free discount.

There's also a playground for kids that includes inflatable games, whiffleball and a speed pitching contest. New this spring is a train that takes children of all ages around the concourse for $1 a ticket. Kids 12 and younger get a free hot dog, chips and a drink on Sunday, and there will be fireworks after the game. Memorial Day is $1 hot dog day.

"Besides the great AA baseball, we do a lot of things between innings," Cole adds, including a race with three giant eyeballs and bowling with a contestant inside a giant inflatable bowling ball. And of course, there's the seventh inning stretch, complete with prizes and the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

Finished in 2008, Arvest Ballpark seats 6,500 people and was named Ballpark of the Year its first season.

-- Becca Martin-Brown

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 05/23/2014

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