With a team roster full of baseball superstars-in-waiting, affordable ticket prices and a winning lineup of food and fun, the hits keep coming at Canal Park

By Patricia Nugent

With a winning season—only a game-and-a-half out of first place at press time—and a slew of winning additions to Canal Park, the Akron RubberDucks are having a moment.

“Fans will notice improvements on our mission to improve the game experience,” says General Manager Jim Pfander. “First of all, to make for speedier, shorter lines and ease of transactions, we’ve decided to follow what other ballparks have done and go cashless. If anyone brings cash, no worries, we have a reverse ATM that will convert cash to a VISA card that can be spent at Canal Park or anywhere else.”

The RubberDucks are also switching over to exclusively digital tickets, much like the Browns, Cavs and Guardians.

“We’re always trying to stay ahead of the curve and feel minor league teams will soon be required to go digital,” he adds. “It’s a fast and more efficient way to handle people coming into the park.”

Though there are lots of changes at the ballpark this year, you’ll be happy to discover one thing that hasn’t changed: ticket prices.

“You can still buy a $5 general admission ticket to any game, as well as luxury seats or package deals,” says Jim. “We want to make our park accessible and affordable for families and fans.”

All That and a Bag of Chips
Fasten your seatbelts, foodies, because Manager of Culinary Operations, Chef Louis Willmon-Holland has outdone himself with this year’s smorgasbord.

According to Jim, the breakout star so far is the All Around the World Dog, which is a zesty and cosmopolitan trio of jumbo hot dogs, including one topped with Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, another with kimchi, chili sriracha sauce and cucumber mayo, and the third bánh mì, topped with shredded carrots, jalapeno, radishes, cucumbers, cilantro and cusabi dressing. (Jim suggests it’s meant to be shared, but no one is judging.)

Those who prefer breakfast for dinner will love the Spatz & Amanda’s Bases Loaded Breakfast Burger.

And named for ESPN radio host Emmett Golden, Emmett’s Big Bangin’ BBQ Brisket will delight carnivores with pulled brisket in barbecue sauce, cabbage slaw, fried onions and cheddar cheese…all that and a bag of chips.

“Sure, we’ve earned a rep for extreme dishes,” says Jim, “but I hope people know we offer healthy fare too, with wraps and fresh fruit. And it doesn’t get any more classic than an All-American $2 hot dog. There’s something for everyone.”

For the first time, this year they’ve introduced a signature cocktail to the lineup: the Boot Scootin’ Boozy, named through a contest by WQMX listener Brittany Sanders. This 16-ounce vodka lemonade comes with choice of strawberry, raspberry or mango puree, fresh fruit and, of course, a jaunty little cowboy topper.

Scouting Report
“Thanks to their stellar performance this spring, two of our players have already been promoted to Triple A—Joey Cantillo and Gavin Williams,” says Jim. “We wish them all the best and look forward to cheering on their careers.”

Current players who are making fans jump out of their seats include Gold Glove-winners José Tena and Joe Naranjo, as well as super-speedy lead-off hitter Petey Halpin.

Leading the players is Manager Rouglas Odor, is the longest-tenured manager in franchise history (currently). He’s also soon to be the winningest.

“We are 33 wins away from the record,” says Jim. “So far this season, we have 19 wins under our belts. On Saturday, July 8, we will celebrate with a Rouglas Odor bobblehead giveaway.”

Keeping Things “Akron-centric”
This year Canal Park is hosting two Akron-themed games, during which the team will don special themed uniforms that will be auctioned off post-game to support local charities. The first is on Friday, July 7. The team will be transformed into “The Devil Strips,” for the nickname Akronites have for tree lawns.

Then on Friday, August 18, they will become “The Sauerkraut Balls” to recognize the delicious appetizer that was invented here. The team has invited local restaurants to bring their balls and the fans will vote on the best one.

Mark Your Calendar
Every game is special here, with fireworks at 28 home games and premium giveaways to the first 1,000 fans for certain games.

Here are a few not to miss:

• Tuesday, July 18 — Big Splash Day, come ready to get wet!
• Saturday, August 19 — Meet-and-greet the actor Kevin Sussman, better known as Stuart Bloom from “The Big Bang Theory.” Package includes game ticket, bobblehead, RubberDucks hat and all-you-can-eat picnic. This is also STEM Night.
• Friday, September 1 — The Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Celebration, Akron Children’s Hospital game, the team will wear jerseys designed by a patient.

There are many more events planned this summer. Check out the entire lineup at AkronRubberDucks.com.

The Akron RubberDucks season runs through late-September. Canal Park is located at 300 South Main Street in downtown Akron, less than five minutes off I-77. Visit AkronRubberDucks.com for a schedule of games and special events or call 330-253-5151.