HOT RODS BASEBALL...FUELED BY FUN!The Bowling Green Hot Rods, the Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, play 70 home games from April through September at Bowling Green Ballpark. During their Inaugural Season, the Hot Rods gained a reputation for providing affordable, family fun in a comfortable setting where fans can make memories together and see the Major League stars of tomorrow in Bowling Green today.

232,987 fans attended games at Bowling Green Ballpark in 2009 – that’s over 3,500 fans per game! In 2010, the Hot Rods will begin play in the Midwest League, a move that will allow fans of the Reds and Cardinals to see the future stars of their favorite teams in Bowling Green as well. With stadium construction complete, a well-established brand, and a track record of positive achievements, the Hot Rods are poised for even greater success in 2010!

We hope you’ll consider joining our team of business partners for the 2010 season and beyond. We will work with you to tailor a custom marketing package based on your company’s objectives and offer significant value for your marketing, advertising, and entertainment dollars. Let us share ways you can use professional sports and entertainment to connect with our fans to get results!

WHAT OUR PARTNERS ARE SAYING...

Friday night, Bowling Green became abaseball town.

Scratch that.Friday night, baseball overcame

Bowling Green.That was the sensation when the

Bowling Green Hot Rods opened their sen-sational new Bowling Green Ballpark. Itseemed the focus of the entire universe wastrained on the corner of Eighth Avenue andKentucky Street, and those of us luckyenough to experience Opening Night knowit will be talked about fora long time.

From a sportingstandpoint, it’s hard toimagine Bowling Greenhas ever before hostedan event that teemedwith so much energy, somuch pure enthusiasm.The ballpark, even insomewhat unfinishedcondition, is such a stun-ning breath of fresh air itseemed almost other-worldly. But restassured, it’s here, it’sours, and we’d bettermake the most of it.

For one night, at least, we did.Hot Rods general manager Brad Taylor

might have been the busiest man on earthFriday night. Before the fourth inning,Taylor paused during one of his countlesstrips across the concourse. Sweat glistenedon his face, and he surveyed the length ofthe stadium.

The drive to bring Minor LeagueBaseball to Bowling Green has existed foryears, but it’s been less than one year sincewe learned it would become a reality.Taylor thought Friday about the seven-dayweeks his staff has logged since the SuperBowl, about the work days that ended at 3a.m. and began again at 7 a.m.

Looking across the seating bowl, Taylor– and perhaps everyone ever involved inthe local minor-league initiative – reapedthe reward. The Hot Rods’ staff wasexhausted by Friday night, Taylor said. Butwhen the national anthem ended, suddenlythe staff became “untired.”

“I don’t even know what to say,” Taylorsaid, raising a finger to point into the outfield.

SPORTSSPORTSSaturday, April 18, 2009 Daily News

Section

CPrep baseballGrand slam propelsGreenwood past BG.

Page 3C

BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS

OPENING RIGHTBowling Green Ballpark draws 6,886as Hot Rods take out Kannapolis 8-4

PIKE’S

Daniel Pike

PeekTODAYMinor League BaseballBowling Green Ballpark

Kannapolis (N.C.) Intimidators (6-3) at

Bowling Green Hot Rods (5-4) 1:05 p.m.

Pitching probablesBowling Green: RHP Chris Andujar (2-0, 1.42 ERA)Kannapolis: RHP Daniel Hudson (0-1, 2.70 ERA)Radio: WBGN 1340 AM

Game 3: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.Game 4: Monday, 6:35 p.m.

Hunter Wilson/Daily NewsThe Bowling Green Hot Rods’ center fielder Anthony Scelfo makes a catch Saturday during the Hot Rods’ inaugural game at Bowling Green Ballpark. TheHot Rods defeated the Kannapolis (N.C.) Intimidators 8-4. For more photos, see Pages 4C, 8C and 1D.

Historicnight forbaseball,ballpark

See OPENING NIGHT, 4C

BG shows moxie in rebounding from error-filled sixth

Hunter Wilson/Daily NewsThe Bowling Green Hot Rods’ Jason Tweedy beats a throw Saturday and slides safelyinto third base during the Hot Rods’ home opener at Bowling Green Ballpark. The HotRods knocked off the Kannapolis (N.C.) Intimidators 8-4.

Hot Rods rally for memorable debutBy MICHEAL COMPTONThe Daily Newsmcompton@bgdailynews.com/783-3247

With 6,886 fans looking on, the Bowling GreenHot Rods christened their new ballpark in style –beating the Kannapolis Intimidators 8-4 on Fridayat Bowling Green Ballpark.

Bowling Green (5-4) blew an early three-runlead but rallied with four runs in the sixth and sev-enth innings to extend its winning streak to a sea-son-high three games.

“It was nice,” Hot Rods manager Matt Quatrarosaid. “There was a little bit of everything. A littlegood, a little bad, a little drama, a little offense andsome good pitching, some good plays and somebad plays – probably what you’d expect with somejitters. It was nice to see the guys have some goodat-bats.”

Opening Night appeared to be going as planneduntil the Hot Rods hit a speed bump in the middleinnings.

Jake Jeffries picked up the first hit in BowlingGreen Ballpark history in the bottom of the firstwith a ringing double to left center.

One inning later the Hot Rods picked up theirfirst home surge, scoring three times against aKannapolis team that entered with three straight

shutouts.Mike McCormick picked up a one-out single

and advanced to second on a walk to Jason Tweedy.Jason Corder followed with a single to right andadvanced to second on an error by the Intimidators’Jordan Cheatham. McCormick scored on the play,giving Bowling Green its first run in the new park.Isaias Velasquez and Tim Beckham also deliveredRBI singles in the inning, making the score 3-0.

“Our guys just battled and battled,” Quatrarosaid. “I thought the key was we didn’t score in the

“There was a little bit of everything. A little good, a littlebad, a little drama, a littleoffense and some good pitching, some good plays andsome bad plays – probably whatyou’d expect with some jitters.”

Matt QuatraroHot Rods manager

See HOT RODS, 4C

By NICK BAUMGARDNERThe Daily Newsnbaumgardner@bgdailynews.com/783-3239

After staggering through the top halfof the sixth inning, committing fourerrors and blowing a 4-2 lead, it lookedlike the Bowling Green Hot Rods’hopefor a storybook opening night atBowling Green Ballpark was rapidlyfading.

But just as quickly as things fellapart, the Hot Rods put them backtogether.

The Hot Rods grabbed a hit, tookadvantage of an error and got a sacri-fice fly to snag two runs right back inthe bottom of the sixth before sendingthe inaugural sellout crowd home withsmiles on their faces.

“We just had to focus more,” saidHot Rods shortstop Tim Beckham, whocommitted two of the errors in the topof the inning. “We made four errors, sowe just had to come back into the

dugout and then come back and have abig inning – and we did.

“They could’ve shut us down rightthere and took over the game, but wecame back strong.”

First baseman Mike Sheridan agreedwith Beckham, saying the only wordsuttered in the Hot Rods’ dugout duringthe middle of the sixth inning were ofthe positive variety.

“Everybody just picked each otherup,” Sheridan said. “In a situation likethat where we made four errors – and Imade one of them – it takes its toll onyou mentally, and that’s when you need

your other teammates to pick you up.“You’ve always got to worry about

the next pitch – you make an error, andit’s done for.”

Hot Rods manager Matt Quatrarosaid it was nice to see such a younggroup show that type of solid resiliencyin a rather intense environment.

“That’s a big thing and we talk aboutit and I’m sure every team talks aboutit,” he said. “It’s nice to see the guysexecute (in that situation) and like Isaid earlier, three of our wins on the

HOT RODS NOTEBOOK

“Everybody just picked each other up. In a situation like that where we made four errors ...it takes a toll on you mentally, and that’s whenyou need your teammates to pick you up.”

Hot Rods first baseman Mike SheridanOn recovering from a rough defensive sixth inning

See HUGE CROWD, 4C

BALLPARk SIGNAGEOutfield Wall SignsThese signs can provide your company with high vis-ibility at every stadium event and allow your message to connect with fans for about three hours per Hot Rods game. Field-level placement ensures these signs also appear occasionally in TV news highlights and newspaper photos. With about 100 events annually, no other venue in South Central Kentucky can offer as much exposure!

Concourse SignsAs fans make their way around the ballpark, you can use a full-color concourse sign to attract their attention. Because these signs are viewed from just a few feet away, your message can be more detailed than other types of advertising. These signs are located in high-traffic areas and visible during all stadium events.

Standings & Lineup BoardsThese concourse sign locations are a great way to capture the fans’ attention. As they jot down that night’s starting lineup or check out the standings, your message will be right in front of them!

Foul Pole SignageHighlight your company with prominent banners mounted to the right and left field foul poles. A great way to make your company stand out in the minds of your potential customers.

Dugout RooftopsYour company can place its logo on one or both dugout tops for fans to see. Each dugout roof is used during games for promotions and special presentations. These spaces are especially visible to fans enjoying the games from the Stadium Club and Ballpark Suites.

Baseline BillboardsStrategically placed to achieve high visibility, your company will receive tremendous exposure to the fans in attendance using signs along the first and third base fences. With field-level placement, these ad locations often appear in the background of newspaper photographs.

3’ x 5’ Concourse Signs

8’ x 16’ Outfield Wall Sign

Leader Boards Foul Pole Signage

Dugout Rooftops

Baseline Billboards (28” x 96”)

Trent Bedding Sleepy Sumo Race

Wendy’s Build-A-Burger

Water Safety Flipper Follies

6’ x 17’ LED Signage

6’ x 68’ LED Message Board Can Be Used in Many Ways

Fazoli’s Mascot Race

Bowling Green Ballpark’s State-of-the-Art Video Board

Headshot (Away Team) Sponsorship Video Board Commercial

VIDEO BOARD ExPOSUREThe video board at Bowling Green Ballpark features a 16’ x 32’ video screen with the latest state-of-the-art technology, bringing Hot Rods fans the sharpest picture imaginable.

Sign LocationsBacklit Premium Panels (6’ x 10’)Rotating Tri-Vision Signs (9’6” x 10’)Backlit Dominant Bottom Panel (6’6” x 36’)

Feature OpportunitiesLogos on Player Headshots (Home & Away) In-Game Video Board CommercialsPre-Game Video Board CommercialsHot Rods Tune-Up Pre-Game ShowFirst Pitch SponsorshipStarting Lineups / Pitching Change Sponsorship

IN-GAME ENTERTAINMENTThe Hot Rods Entertainment Experience keeps the fans laughing and smiling all game long. Each game there is sure to be something different and unique. In addition to fan favorites such as Sumo Wrestling, Race-the-Mascot, Build-a-Burger, and the T-shirt Shot, your company can be incorporated into the action with a custom-designed, in-game promotion. The action will be shown live on the video board with your company logo on display during the event while a public address announce-ment delivers your message.

In-Game Promotion (1/4 Season - 17 Games)In-Game Promotion (1/2 Season - 35 Games)In-Game Promotion (Full Season - 70 Games)

LED MESSAGE BOARDOne of the signature features of Bowling Green Ballpark is the 6’ x 68’ LED message board on the left field wall. The message board is used to show out-of-town scores, statistical leaders, birthday wishes and more, attracting the fans’ attention to your message.

Single LED (6’ x 17’)Double LED (6’ x 34’)Home Run LED (6’ x 68’)Special Features (Group Welcomes, Hit Counter)

PROMOTIONAL DAYS & GIVEAWAYSConnect with customers by sponsoring a fireworks show or promotional giveaway like Hot Rods T-shirts, baseballs, or bobbleheads. These promotions always attract the largest crowds of the season! Giveaway items feature your logo and the Hot Rods logo on high-quality items given to 1,000 fans.

Each promotion is advertised through print and broadcast media, pocket schedules, team publications, press releases, the team’s website and e-mail newsletter, video board graphics, radio broadcasts, and in-stadium public address announcements at games prior to your sponsored event.

On its game day, your company will receive the following elements:• The opportunity to display your banners at the stadium entrances• Three (3) public address announcements during the event• Pre-game recognition or a ceremonial first pitch opportunity• 25 tickets to the event for your customers and employees • The opportunity to purchase extra tickets at a special rate• A concourse table and/or sampling opportunities at the ballpark

Fans arrive early to get giveaway items

Banners are seen by thousands of fans entering the ballpark

Concourse tables allow companies to reach customers

Website advertising promotes your event

Promotions can result in added media exposure

Sign up for your promotion today...Every day you wait is a missed opportunity!

Mini-Bat Giveaway Presented by Citizens First Bank

Backpack Giveaway Presented by Crossroads IGA

Bucket Hat Giveaway Presented by Crazy Eddy’s Furniture

Fans Choice T-shirt Giveaway Presented by First Choice Home Medical

PRINT ADVERTISING

2010 Pocket SchedulesBowling Green Hot Rods Pocket Schedules are distributed throughout South Central Kentucky. Our Street Team disseminates schedules to retail stores, banks, convenience stores, restaurants and our partners in the business community. In addition, Pocket Schedules are passed out at community events, sent out in mailings, and distributed to fans at the stadium. With a full-page or cover ad, you will receive exclusivity within your industry.Options Include:Back CoverFull-Panel Inside AdLogo Placement

Game Day MagazinesGame Day Magazines are a cost-effective way to reach potential customers and show your support for the hometown team. Fans can pick up a free magazine at every home game as they enter the ballpark, and your message can be featured in a variety of ways.

Options Include:Back Cover AdInside Front AdInside Back AdFull-Page Black & WhiteHalf-Page ColorHalf-Page Black & WhiteQuarter-Page Black & White

Ticket AdvertisingYour company can be branded on every Bowling Green Hot Rods ticket. You can place a coupon on the back of the ticket or have a perforated coupon added to the end of each ticket; either way you can put your message in front of over 200,000 people!

Will Call EnvelopesPlace your advertisement in the hands of 30,000 Hot Rods fans using Will Call Ticket Envelopes.

Premium Logo Placement

Full-Panel Inside Advertisement

BALLPARk SECTION NAMING RIGHTSYour company can deliver its core brand message with title sponsorship of a stadium section. Your company will receive prominent signage in its sponsored area and recognition each time the section is highlighted via the team’s video board, website, publications, and broadcast network. Ask about extra savings for multi-year partnerships!

Options Include:First Base Party Deck Naming RightsGrass Seating Naming Rights Guest Services Naming Rights Will Call Naming RightsPicnic Area Naming RightsKids Play Area Naming Rights

COMMUNITY IMPACT PROGRAMSYour company can use its partnership with the Bowling Green Hot Rods to make a significant impact in the community. We can work with you to create a custom program to reinforce education, positive choices and healthy lifestyles. Your company can benefit by sponsoring team educational programs such as the Student-Athlete Awards, Honor Roll Program, or Axle’s Book Buddies. We can even send our mascot Axle or donate game tickets to community causes on your behalf.

First Base Party Deck branding Fans on the Party Deck during an event Guest Services Station branding

Will Call Window with branding section Home Run Grill Picnic Area branding kids Play Area branding

WBGN HOT RODS RADIO NETWORkAll 140 Bowling Green Hot Rods games are broadcast on WBGN 1340 AM - The Ticket. Your company can enjoy enjoy the benefits of 30-second, pre-recorded commercials, 15-second live reads or special segments including Starting Lineups, Keys to the Game, and the MLB / Out-of-Town Scoreboards.

WEBSITE ADSYou can reach millions of Hot Rods fans worldwide by sponsoring BGHotRods.com. Your full-color ad will be featured on one of the many pages chock-filled with information about the team, upcoming promotions and community-related events. Your company logo can even link directly to your website.

CLIENT SERVICE & HOSPITALITYThere is no better way to complete your Hot Rods Partnership than with a Corporate Outing. You can hold your company picnic, reward your top executives or even have a pre-gamesales meeting coupled with dinner and a game. You can also reserve the facility when the team is out of town. Book the Stadium Club for a holiday party, televised sporting event, or a rehearsal dinner. Host a VIP experience for clients or have your employees take batting practice on the field! We can accommodate both small and large firms and tailor the outing to your specifications. Your Hot Rods Account Executive can work with you to select the dates, amenities, and pricing to fit your needs.

HOT RODS REPORT E-NEWSLETTEREach week, over 7,000 Hot Rods fans receive the latest team news and promotion information. Place a coupon in one Hot Rods Report or in every issue!