What has it been like being with the T-Bones since 2003?
Bob – Leawood, KS

I guess this is where I can be called the “crafty veteran,” right? I still cannot believe it has been 5 seasons here in KCK. Today, the T-Bones are still putting on the same family friendly entertainment as we did in 2003.  We are mixing up the promotions and keeping them fresh. Whether it is ticket promos, on-field antics or theme nights, we have learned over the years that our fans love something new each night, and that is what we give to them.

Coming right out of college and interning with the T-Bones, I have been given one of the greatest jobs in the country. How many people can say the show up to a ballpark everyday and get to work with sports fans? The people who I have worked with currently and in the past have all been incredible. Each one I have taken something from only to better myself in the necessary work related skills. I would love to put up this staff against any others out there. We are a force to be reckoned with. 

Over the past 5 years a lot has changed for me at home as well. I have received my degree, got married, my son was born (Mason -3) and we are having another boy that is due any day now. Having a work place environment like the T-Bones has definitely been a plus for my family.

The ceiling for the T-Bones has yet to be reached. We have the greatest fans in the world and our best years are yet to come!!!

Who has been your most memorable group to have their outing at CAB
Alex -  Bonner Springs, KS
 
There is no question that Cerner Corporation is the first to come to mind. Cerner is going on their 3rd outing at Community America Ballpark this season. Last year Cerner purchased just fewer than 6,000 tickets for the June 23rd ballgame. When you have a 4,600 seating capacity stadium, you know you are in for a great night with a group of 6,000.That night we had a record crowd of 10,318. And you talk about the best stadium environment you could be in. That night was incredible. Something I will never forget. We will have to see if the record can be broken this season (June 7th).

What is the most popular package you offer for groups of 25+?  
Regis – Edgerton, MO

I would have to say that the Miller Lite Pre-Game Party Area is by far the most popular. It is what we call in the ticket office a “group destination.” The Miller Lite PA has a capacity of 900 and already 9 of our 48 games this season are filled with other dates close as well. At what other venue can you find a meal (choice of 3 entrees, 2 sides and 2 Cokes or beers) and a game ticket for $18 - $23? That is the greatest bang for your buck in the KC metro.  This gives businesses, reunions, churches and other groups a chance of having a pre-game tailgate without doing any set up on their own. Just reserve your spots and we make it happen.   
 
It seems like there is a new deck opening each year at the ballpark. Is there a new one this season?
Drew – Lawrence, KS
Not this year. With the main focus of the off-season on our new bleachers, we felt that we have plenty of hospitality areas (ie. Bud Deck, Home Run Deck, Miller Lite Party Area, Watson’s All-You-Can-Eat Seats and Suites) to accommodate any size party whether its 20 or 6,000.

We have partnered once again with Arthur Bryant’s to make the Home Run Deck (20 tickets) and the Bud Deck (50 tickets) an experience to talk about. Nothing like having great BBQ when at the ball game!!

We have all seen the many interns running around the ballpark during the summer. How do I get the chance to intern with the T-Bones?
Donnie – Gardner, KS
In order to be a T-Bones intern you must receive College Credit Hours from the school you attend. You must send in a current resume and go through the interview process.

I have been told by other ball clubs that we run one of the best sports intern programs in the nation. We go through very extensive training and hand pick the best to fit each job whether it be in tickets/hospitality, promotions or operations. I have been lucky enough to have many former interns find permanent minor and major league jobs across the country from Augusta, GA to Fresno, CA.

What will be the best group promotion of 2008? 
Tom – Kansas City, KS
I truly believe it will be the same promotion I said a year ago. It will be Military (7/4) and Heroes Night (8/30).  Last season’s inaugural Heroes Night brought many people to tears, including me, with the pre-game festivities carried out. This is a “must do” promotion for this year and the years to come. I have already begun the pre-planning stages of each one of theses nights.

This year’s Military night (7/4) is once again sponsored by the US Army will once again feature a wide variety of military equipment. From Chinook Helicopters flying over head to military jeeps and tanks we will have it all. Once again a special ceremony will be held pre-game. And of course you have to be here to see what else we have up our sleeves…..

For Heroes Night (8/30) we have teamed up with Mid America Regional Council to blow last year’s inaugural night out of the water. This special day we thank all heroes that are in uniform and defend our Homeland.  We will be bringing in each type of emergency equipment that you can think of. I guarantee many tears will be flowing for this pre-game ceremony.

What other kid-friendly events will you have for the 2008 season?
Richard – Olathe, KS 
We are once again proud to bring back our Baseball Buddy program. This program is where one youth league team has the chance to run out on the field with the T-Bones players prior to the National Anthem. Every time I am on the field with these youngsters I always think of the great days when I was young and what it felt like to on a professional field with my home team. These smiles on the kids’ faces are priceless. It is definitely something they will never forget.

Other popular dates to put on the calendar are the 11:05am games on 6/5, 6/17 and 7/19. We consider each day as a kids “camp day.” Before each game the T-Bones will be reading books to youngsters before the game is played. Last season alone we had over 3,000 kids participate over the 3 games.

Next week get to know the latest addition to the T-Bones front office staff, promotions director Colin Aldrich.  Submit your questions for Colin now to Tommy Thrall at [email protected]