Swampdogs Offer Cheap Fun for Military Families

Any soldier on R & R or looking for some down time with family should look into a Fayetteville SwampDogs baseball game. One trip to J.P. Riddle Stadium, affectionately known as "The Swamp," will convince you that the SwampDogs invented the phrase "fun for the whole family."

The SwampDogs offer military ticket discounts each and every night. All former and current members of the military can purchase general admission tickets for only $5. For an additional charge, you get admission to the Miller Lite Liberty Lounge, where you can enjoy $1 beer, hot dogs and hamburgers and free soda, peanuts and popcorn. For those who don't dine at the Liberty Lounge, the concession stand is full of appetizing choices. The stadium also has picnic areas and a children's play area, called "Fun-Go's Homerun Haven."

Providing entertainment for a military community is something the SwampDogs take seriously.

"We consider ourselves fortunate to be entrusted with such a civic treasure and take great pride in being an active part of our community," said Jeremy Aagard, SwampDogs assistant general manager. "It's an honor for the SwampDogs to be able to give back to our service members as they give so selflessly to us. The SwampDogs would like to thank all current and former military personnel for their commitment to our great nation."

Baseball isn't the only kind of entertainment the SwampDogs provide. The entertainment between innings is always enjoyable, full of races and other activities that get customers involved. Special nights, like the summer Saint Paddy's Day, Green Night, Scouts Night and Fireworks Night, offer an added incentive to attend. This year's fireworks game that celebrated July 4 drew a record 6,000 plus to the stadium.

"Typically we host three fireworks shows per summer, but this year we have a special chance to host four incredible displays this year," Aagard said. "The fireworks continue to amaze and awe all the fans in attendance along with the SwampDogs staff."

And this year, the SwampDogs host the Coastal Plain League All-Star Fanfest on Sunday, July 17 and the league All-Star Game Monday, July 18.

"Hosting the 2011 CPL All-Star Game allows us the opportunity to put on an additional show for our fans this summer," Aagard said. "This year's CPL All-Star Game presented by Family Foods/Taco Bell is an incredible opportunity to showcase our great city to the incoming fans, league members and players. On the other side, it's an opportunity to showcase some of the top college talent from around the country to our fans, community and military personnel. This game will have a tremendous economic impact on Fayetteville and the surrounding area. This two-day event will bring in not only fans from around the league but also fans from around the nation."

Of course, with Fayetteville being a military community, the SwampDogs remember their target market. Every season the SwampDogs hold their annual Military Appreciation Night, which is typically scheduled around the Army's birthday in June. The SwampDogs have also played the Military All-Stars, which featured soldiers from Ft. Bragg, in years past.

For the Swampdogs, it's all about letting the military know their appreciation.

"The SwampDogs would like to thank all current and former military personnel for their commitment to our great nation," Aagard said.

The team plays through early August and their schedule can be viewed by logging onto

www.goswampdogs.com.