The Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, et to take the field in nest week’s home opener, invested $5 million in a new playing field that meets Major League Baseball requirements.
When the Portland Sea Dogs take the field at their home opener next Tuesday, the team will be batting, pitching and defending on a new playing surface that’s about 12 inches higher than the previous one.
The Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox Major League Baseball team invested $5 million in the new playing field. It includes new irrigation, drainage, sod, sub-surface and a wider warning track for outfielders.
“All of these improvements were necessary to meet MLB compliance requirements,” Chris Cameron, the team’s vice president for communications and fan experience, told Mainebiz.
Besides the ballpark enhancements, the Sea Dogs will roll out new food offerings, new technology and expanded merch offerings at both of its stores inside the stadium.
Fried dough, provided by U.S. Foods, will make a comeback at Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field this season, joined by new menu additions including crispy onion rings, Bacon BBA Ranch Double Cheeseburgers and Buffalo Chicken Subs.
To wash that hearty fare down, the newly rebranded Allagash Dugout Bar near first base will sell liquor and specialty cocktails to the 21-and-older crowd.
Technology upgrades
On the technology side, the team is introducing a mobile app that listens for emergency sounds — including fire alarms, gunshots, sirens and critical alerts — and delivers instant notifications to deaf and hearing-impaired users via their iPhone and Apple Watch.
The Sea Dogs will also use the Aira App for the third season to deliver visual interpreting services for blind and low-vision fans.
Other apps include the new Sea Dogs Rewards App for fans to earn points, unlock exclusive offers and engage with the team in new ways. Additionally, fans can use an improved Minor League Baseball app to buy and access tickets.
On the Park Avenue plaza outside the ballpark, there will be an area for season ticket holders to warm up under heat lamps and sip complimentary coffee and hot chocolate during the first month of baseball, when the weather can be fickle.
Cameron said the warming area will be able to accommodate up to 100 people.
The Sea Dogs will host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Tuesday, April 7, in a home opener scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
As baseball season nears, the team’s Hall of Fame mascot, Slugger the Sea Dog, has been counting down the days at venues around town, captured in photos posted on social media.
Further ballpark upgrades are on deck.
“We are constantly looking to improve the facility and the fan experience, so I’m certain there will be other improvements throughout the season,” Cameron said.
The Sea Dogs, led by President Geoff Iacuessa and General Manager Jesse Scaglion, are owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings.
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