The weekend of February 1-2 will be a big time for outdoor events: besides the Super Bowl, the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) are hosting the Summer Shandy Snowball Classic at Midway Stadium on Feb. 1, as part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
The event, sponsored by the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, will be like any other game day at Midway Stadium in many respects. The Saints are opening their parking lot at 11 a.m. for consumers interested in bringing grills, cooking their favorite foods and drinking an ice-cold beer. Gates to Midway Stadium open at noon, with the five-inning game beginning at 1 p.m.
The Summer Shandy Snowball Classic is not your average baseball game. Some of the more traditional rules will go by the wayside; the field will be covered in snow, so the baselines will be dug out as opposed to chalked, players will be allowed to wear mittens and fielders will need to dodge obstacles like snowmen, Leinenkugel’s canoes and sleds.
While game rules vary, all the pomp and circumstance of a Saints game during the summer will remain, including pre-game entertainment, ushertainers that will interact with the crowd and the popular on-field promotions. Additionally, the Saints and Leinenkugel’s will roll out such contests as “writing” your name in the snow, an igloo building contest and a Leinie’s canoe race.The admission price is perfect: free.
“Nothing says summer like Saints baseball and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy,” said John Leinenkugel, fifth-generation brewer and game participant. “While we can’t make the warm weather come faster, we can bundle up and prepare for Summer Shandy and baseball season just around the corner.”
The game will feature current and former Saints players along with Twin Cities baseball fans. Area residents 21 years or older can find out how to participate by visiting www.93X.com, by listening to 93X and by using QR codes posted in local liquor stores and bars.
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