Wow, how time flies: the Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) are planning some big events this season to mark the 20th anniversary of Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
We’re in the midst of some big happening at the DBAP: the ballpark was renovated for the 2014 season (earning some recognition in the annual Ballpark Digest awards). The next step: Launching the season-long celebration with the debut of a commemorative logo and voting for the All-DBAP Team.
The 20th Anniversary logo, above, features the DBAP’s signature brick façade set upon home plate, with the stadium’s inaugural season of 1995 emblazoned on the left opposite the anniversary season of 2015. The commemorative mark will be used as a patch on the Bulls’ home jerseys, and on merchandise, branding materials, and exclusive giveaway items for Mini Plan package holders.
An interactive promotion for fans for the 2015 preseason will be the voting for the All-DBAP Team, a compilation of the best Bulls players over the past 20 seasons. Beginning on February 2, the team will unveil a small group of finalists at a certain position on the Bulls’ Facebook page each Monday. From Monday through Thursday, fans will have the opportunity to vote on who they feel is most deserving of a spot on the All-DBAP Team, and each Friday the Bulls will announce the winner at that week’s position. The finalists at each position were selected from a panel of media and front office members.
The ballpark, which opened in 1995 when the Bulls were the High A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, has undergone numerous overhauls in its history. No set of improvements were greater than the massive upgrade prior to the 2014 season that saw the stadium add high-definition videoboards and a club level, while improving seating, lighting and concessions.
“While it is 20 years old, fans still refer to the DBAP as the ‘new’ ballpark,” Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “Through renovations and thoughtful upgrades, it’s as modern a ballpark as you’ll find. What makes it so special though, is that it still retains an amazing sense of place and history that have made it a destination for baseball fans everywhere.”
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