With their season around the corner, the Bristol Pirates (Rookie; Appalachian League) have rolled out a variety of upgrades and new amenities. Along with improvements to the infield at Boyce Cox Field, the Pirates have also opened a new team store in downtown Bristol, TN and will now offer online ticket sales.
Fans who wish to purchase tickets in advance can now do so by visiting www.BristolPiratesBaseball.com, and clicking on the green “T” link next to the game of their choice from the on-line schedule. Ticket orders must be placed at least one day in advance, and all tickets purchased online will be available for pick up at the ticket office at the ballpark beginning approximately one hour before the start of each home game.
“Over the last several years, we have had an increasing number of requests from fans, particularly those traveling from out-of-town, to secure their tickets to visit Bristol,” stated Mahlon Luttrell, president of Bristol Baseball, Inc. and General Manager of the Bristol Pirates. “We know that our operation of a professional baseball here in town contributes quite a bit to the local economy, and the promotion of tourism, and so we are excited to announce this new way to purchase tickets to see the Bristol Pirates, because it helps out our fans, and allows us to further benefit Bristol and the surrounding area.”
The team has also recently opened a souvenir store in downtown Bristol. Located at 12 6th Street in Bristol, Tennessee, the store will allow fans to drop by and purchase their favorite team souvenirs throughout the year, particularly on days when the Treasure Chest souvenir store at the ballpark is not open.
“We’re excited to be involved throughout all of Bristol, and now with our new downtown location, we have a presence that will allow us to reach even more people,” commented Luttrell.
Fans who drive by Boyce Cox Field during the next week will notice lots of work at the ballpark in the week before the 2016 Bristol Pirates arrive in town. Bristol Baseball Inc. board members and other volunteers supporting their efforts will be hard at work to prepare the ballpark for Meet the Pirates Night on June 22, and the home opener against Greeneville four days later.
To ensure the field continues to meet the requirements for professional baseball, Bristol Baseball Inc. has contracted to have new infield turf installed. Pitching mounds will also be professionally rebuilt, all in preparation for the upcoming Appalachian League season and an anticipated facility review on behalf of minor league baseball.
“We’re incurring lots of expenses preparing for this season – not just the normal operating expenses, but also the added burden of installing a brand-new infield turf just in time for the players to arrive,” noted Luttrell. “As a non-profit, none of us or our volunteers take home a penny of profit from all that we do to keep professional baseball alive in Bristol, and we certainly appreciate the financial support of our fans, either from attending games and buying souvenirs, or from tax-deductible contributions.”