Decatur night to be held at Arvest Ball Park

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

— Arvest Ballpark, home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals minor league baseball team, will host a Decatur Night on July 18, Amy Brooks reported at Monday’s Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The ballpark, located in Springdale, is in its second year of holding community nights, spotlighting the smaller towns in the area, to extend themselves to the community, according company representative Matt Price.

Community members will get a $2 discount on their tickets for the evening. Reserved tickets are usually $8, but will be $6 for Decatur residents. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce will get $1 profit from each ticket sold.

During the community night a person from Decatur will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, the announcer will give Decatur a special welcome and share facts about the town throughout the game, Decatur’s city logo willbe displayed on the video board, the chamber will be given space for a table on the concourse, and community members will get to participate in the on-field games.

Chamber of Commerce members voted to have Leonard Truitt throw out the first pitch and to purchase his ticket for the game. Chamber of Commerce President Royce Johnson suggested that Truitt would be the best person to represent the community because, at 92, he is the oldest lifelong resident of Decatur - and because he is an avid baseball fan.

David Flynt said he hopes to get church youth groups involved in the event. Because it is planned for a Sunday evening, the groups could go to the game for their activity, he explained.

Brooks said she has confirmed the date with Price, and will be receiving the marketing materials, poster and signs to help sell the tickets. Tickets will be on sale at City Hall, the Gallery Cafe, the Decatur State Bank, the Decatur General Store and several other Decatur businesses.

News, Pages 1 on 04/07/2010