TOLEDO, Ohio — The world-famous Toledo Mud Hens will be back in action at Fifth Third Field on March 29. It's the earliest open day in the team's history.
Executive Vice President and General Manager Erik Ibsen said the team is ready.
"We are second to none in this country as far as minor league sports go," Ibsen said. "Fifth Third Field is one of the best ballparks in the country and all of the minor leagues."
Ibsen said it's not just because great baseball is being played in downtown Toledo, but also because of the fan experience.
"Every year we try to outdo ourselves so we've got another big season planned ahead as far as theme nights and promotions go," Troy Hammersmith, Director of Events and Fan Entertainment for the Mud Hens, said.
Fans can expect everything from Star Wars Night, to postgame fireworks and music at Hensville, including a Taylor Swift tribute band for the first Hensville Live! concert of the year.
There's also the food, and who better to judge than Champion Competitive Eater Joey Chestnut?
Chestnut will be back at Fifth Third Field on June 1 after first dazzling fans with a cotton candy and ice cream eating contest last summer. His sights are set on a new menu item.
"The Philly cheesesteak hot dog," Chestnut said. "I hold the record for Philly cheesesteaks and hot dogs and I think it's good to combine them."
Fans can also chow down on the new Heated Hen Donut Sandwich, barbecue chicken nachos and "Farr Out" Fries, among several new menu items.
"We like to take a lot of ideas from our fans. So throughout the season, they'll suggest items for us to bring in and during the off-season, we play with those items and see if we can make it work," Corey Pleasant, Director of Concessions said.
The team made big upgrades to the Suite Level and is also rolling out new merchandise, including plenty of sweatshirts for that early opening day.
Just be sure to bring a credit or debit card to pay for your experience as Fifth Third Field will be cashless.
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