The Akron RubberDucks and Canal Park will host the 2016 Eastern League All-Star Game. This will be the first time the franchise has hosted the All-Star Game since it relocated to Northeast Ohio in 1989.
The big date: Wednesday, July 13, 2016.
“We are extremely excited to host the Eastern League All-Star Game for the first time at Canal Park,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “This showcase is the perfect chance to show our brand of affordable family fun to fans throughout the league, while putting on a show that Akron will always remember.”
“Eastern League members are thrilled to bring our 2016 All-Star experience to Akron,” said Eastern League President Joe McEacharn. “Not only will the great fans in Akron have the opportunity to see our best and brightest stars, but fans and executives from all Eastern League cities will be introduced to the new and improved Canal Park and all that greater Akron has to offer. These events will certainly be another feather in the cap of the RubberDucks and one we are excited to be part of.”
The Eastern League All-Star festivities span two days, July 12-13, and will include a home run derby, autograph sessions, fireworks, and much more. A full schedule of events will be announced at a later date. Summa Health System is an official co-sponsor of the Eastern League All-Star Game and associated events.
“I am humbled and honored the Eastern League has chosen Akron for the 2016 Eastern League All-Star Game,” said RubberDucks Owner Ken Babby. “This event will spotlight all of the tremendous growth and development in the city and really drive people downtown next year to celebrate fun family atmosphere we have been working toward since taking over the franchise.
The All-Star Game is played between the top players from the Eastern League’s Eastern and Western Divisions, with each team being represented with at least one pitcher and position player. The teams are selected through a combination of fan balloting and selections from managers, media, and team personnel.