To spice up the summer at Dr Pepper Ballpark, the Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League) have unveiled an ambitious slate of theme nights collectively known as Riders-Con 2016.
This batch of promotions offers a little bit of everything, ranging from celebrity appearances by the likes Jose Canseco and Erik Estrada, to theme night staples such as Faith Night and Christmas in July. Perhaps the most eye-catching aspect, however, is a trio of specialty jerseys unveiled as tributes to Game Boy, Top Gun, and Ghostbusters.
The first of those three jerseys to appear this season will be the Top Gun uniforms, which will be worn on June 24 to honor the film’s 30th anniversary. The flight-suit inspired uniform tops will be part of a tribute night that includes a “Lost that Loving Feeling” karaoke contest, plus a beach volleyball game for those donning a swimsuit and dog tags, the Top Gun volleyball uniform.
On July 8, the RoughRiders will host 8-bit and Arcades Night, which will be highlighted by a Game Boy jersey. The uniform will feature some familiar Game Boy design elements on the front—include A, B, and Start buttons, as well as a screen—while the back will include numbers designed in 8-bit digits. The player’s name, meanwhile, will appear as an inserted game cartridge. There will also be a vintage arcade placed in Dr. Pepper Ballpark, and between-innings promotions will be inspired by classic video games.
Those looking for a Ghostbusters tribute will want to head to the ballpark on July 29. The jerseys worn that night will be modeled after the Ghostbuster uniforms from the film, with green ghost slime oozing down both the front and the back. Also visible on the back will be a Proton Back Backpack. In addition, the night will feature one of the original Ghostbusers: Ernie Hudson, the actor who portrayed Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters and Ghostbuters II, will be on hand and available for photo opportunities.
Of course, the RoughRiders are not stopping there. The team has planned eight specialty jersey nights this year, including a Star Trek uniform that will be part of an elaborate 50th anniversary celebration on June 11th. All jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit charities.