The current Kannapolis Intimidators (Low A; Sally League) will announce a new name on October 23, a major event leading up to the 2020 opening of their new ballpark.
Earlier this year, the Intimidators announced that the 2019 season will be the last in which they play under their current name. New branding will be unveiled prior to the 2020 season–their first in a new downtown ballpark that is currently dubbed the Kannapolis Sports and Entertainment Venue (SEV)–and plans for an announcement of the new name are set for October 23.
On that evening, the new team name, logo and mascot will be shared with fans at an event at the historic Gem Theatre in downtown Kannapolis. The free event will start at 5 p.m. with a street festival on 1st Street in front of the Gem Theatre and wrap around the corner along the new West Avenue Streetscape. The outdoor celebration will include inflatable games for kids, circus performers, a DJ and live music. A viewing deck overlooking the SEV will offer an exclusive sneak peek into the new ballpark – and maybe a chance to shake the new mascot’s hand. Food and beverage vendors will sell snacks, dinner and drinks.
Doors to the Gem Theatre will open at 6 p.m. and the main event will start at 7 p.m. The unveiling of the new name will be for ticketed guests due to limited seating capacity inside but will also be simulcast from the street fair outside. Fans can pre-register for complimentary tickets at KannapolisBallpark.com. At the beginning of October, the team will share more information with everyone who submitted a ticket request online.
Following the program, fans will have the first opportunity to shop for new team merchandise and enjoy a fireworks display over downtown Kannapolis.
The Intimidators played their final game at Intimidators Stadium on Thursday, drawing a sellout crowd of 5,025 fans to their 5-4 victory over the Hagerstown Suns. The new ballpark is currently set to open on April 16, 2020, with Kannapolis hosting the West Virginia Power.
Image courtesy City of Kannapolis.