Fun on the field

Promotions make fans part of the action

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

In its inaugural season, the Blue Crabs entertained fans on the field with entertaining performances each game. And for fans of all ages, the Blue Crabs offered a host of games to keep fans entertained during the entire game. This year is no different as more games and opportunities to win prizes are introduced along with fan favorites from last year.

Between innings, preselected fans from the audience are chosen to participate in such games as musical chairs with oversized inflatable chairs and "catch of the day" where toy crabs are launched in the air as participants try to catch them with a crab net.

"It's the best part about going to a minor league ballpark," Maria Perrygo of the Do Dah Deli in Leonardtown said about the on-field games.

The Do Dah Deli sponsored the musical chairs game last year.

Perrygo said there is so much to do other than just the game that the whole family can have a good time.

Fans can watch two participants fight sumo style in between innings which makes for good laughs even for the contestants.

Sumo wrestling takes two people who are willing to don an inflatable sumo suit and compete against another sumo-suited fan. The first one to knock the other participant over gets a point and the best of three is the winner.

Watch the jumbo screen during the game because if it scans over you during the Chipotle fan of the game portion, you have to give the camera your best Southern Maryland Blue Crabs spirit. There is also a player of the game chosen.

Spring Dell Center and Busch Gardens will also be sponsoring a fan of the game this season, so keep those cheers active.

While the concession stands' food is enough to send even the hungriest of fans home happy, Arby's offers a chance to win free Arby's food at each game.

If a selected player drives in a run, fans receive coupons for Arby's.

For those with competitive eating habits, the Blue Crabs offer various eating contests sponsored by Texas Roadhouse.

After all the delicious games, it's important to remember oral hygiene, or at least run around with a toothbrush. Contestants for the Lasher and Harriman toothbrush race run the bases with very large toothbrushes.

Perrygo said sponsoring the games gives businesses an advertising outlet unlike any other. She said her restaurant drew new customers from all over Maryland who would stop in for a sandwich before the games even if it meant driving a little out of the way.

This year the Do Dah Deli has a bar with Blue Crabs memorabilia including photos of fans all along the walls.

Back at the game, those not interested in being the center of attention for an on-field fun game can still be part of the action.

Employees of the Blue Crabs have different portions of each game, toss T-shirts sponsored by Absolute Pawn into the crowd and a superhero named Roofman throws squishy balls from the roof.

Fans can also cheer on their favorite flavor milkshake during the Turkey Hill Cow Race, an animated race on the big screen.

Fans can also participate in a Morning Side House-sponsored memory game.

It's always a good time at Regency Furniture Stadium and a great way to get the family out and "pumped" Perrygo said.