TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats have officially announced their promotional schedule for the 2012 season. It includes two bobblehead giveaways, three Tunes for Tuesday nights, 14 fireworks shows and will mark the return of popular nights including Bark in the Park, 50 Cent Hot Dog Night and Italian Night. There will also be new and exciting promotions such as Capital Region Baseball Heritage Night with a Derek Jeter bobblehead giveaway, Social Media Monday, Welcome to the Future Night, Summer Olympics Night and more.

The ValleyCats will kick off their 2012 home schedule and the official beginning of summer on Wednesday, June 20. The “Boys of Summer” will play host to the Vermont Lake Monsters at 7pm, and all fans through the gates will receive a ValleyCats schedule magnet. The two-game opening series concludes Thursday, June 21 with Game Show Night. Both will feature post-game fireworks extravaganzas. All fireworks shows throughout the season are being presented by Price Chopper.

The ‘Cats will begin a new tradition of honoring those who have played professional baseball in the Capital Region by creating a series of bobblehead giveaways to be part of the Heritage Series Bobblehead Collection.  The inaugural member will be Derek Jeter, 1994 Albany-Colonie Yankee, and will be given away to the first 1,500 fans through the gates on Capital Region Baseball Heritage Night, presented by Berkshire Bank on Monday, August 20. The ‘Cats will play host to the Staten Island Yankees beginning at 7pm.

There will be a second bobblehead giveaway during We Love New York Night on July 9, but the identity of the bobblehead will not be revealed for a few more weeks.

The ValleyCats will spend July 4 at “The Joe” celebrating the birth of our great nation on Independence Day, presented by Sunmark FCU, and will have a special start time of 6pm. On Veterans Night, presented by CSEA on July 5, the ‘Cats will honor all of those who have served our country. Following each game will be a spectacular fireworks display.

In 2012 the ValleyCats will once again be a part of the GE Kids-In-Free Days promotion. On Saturday, July 21 all children 12 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult, courtesy of GE. The night will feature kid-friendly activities and promotions, and will end with a post-game fireworks show. Two other dates catering to the kids, as well as senior citizens, will be Camp Days/Senior Days on Tuesday, July 24 and Monday, August 6. Both will have special matinee start times of 11am.

The Tunes for Tuesday live music series will be back for its 3rd season featuring pre-game live music every Tuesday night home game. It kicks off on June 26 as the ‘Cats feature Latino Night. On that night the ‘Cats will pay tribute to those of Latino descent who have made an impact on the game of baseball. July 17 will be Blues, BBQ and Baseball, presented by Subway Restaurants, with a pre-game concert by local blues legend Ernie Williams.

The Tuesday music series will conclude with Irish Night on September 4, presented by Irish 2000 Music & Arts Festival. It will feature a pre-game performance by award winning Irish band Hair of the Dog. Gates open at 5pm for all Tunes for Tuesday nights at the stadium and features 2-for-Tuesday drink specials, where fans can enjoy 2-for-1 beers throughout the night.

Sundays at “The Joe” will continue to represent one of the best entertainment values for families in the Capital Region. On each Sunday Funday, you can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for a low price of $25. There will also be a pre-game catch on the field and kids will be allowed to run the bases following the game.

Sunday dates include SouthPaw’s Birthday/Kids Club Day on July 8, Breast Cancer Awareness Day/Pink Jersey Auction presented by NYSUT on July 22, Community Heroes/Superheroes Night on August 5, NFL Night and the 2nd Annual Wing Fest on Sunday, August 19. Girls Night Out on August 26 is the last Sunday home game of the season, and ladies in attendance will have the opportunity to dig for a diamond on the field following the game.

June 27 marks the return of the popular 50 Cent Hot Dog Night presented by Helmbold’s. Fans will enjoy hot dogs for just 50 cents each and will have the chance to participate in a mini hot dog eating contest. Photo Day will be held on July 7 and all fans will receive a 2012 ValleyCats Team Poster. The team will be wearing purple jerseys that night to be auctioned off following the game. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Also back by popular demand is Star Wars Night, presented by Coles Collision Centers on August 18.

On Thursday, August 2 the ValleyCats will celebrate the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London with Summer Olympics Night and on August 15 will celebrate Half-Way to Valentine’s Day. That night, ‘Cats fans are invited to renew their vows at the stadium and enjoy the post-game fireworks show.

Due to the lack of winter, the ‘Cats have decided to create their own white-out conditions at “The Joe” on Friday, August 17 with a Blizzard in August.  The ‘Cats will give away white t-shirts to the first 2,000 fans through the gates, but all fans are encouraged to wear white.

Highlighted on July 23, Social Media Monday will be a series of promotions held during each Monday home game and will give ValleyCats fans on Facebook and Twitter the opportunity to interact with the ‘Cats during the game and have a chance to win unique prizes.

Below is a full listing of the ValleyCats 2012 promotional schedule complete with fireworks dates and scheduled start times. It may also be found online at www.tcvalleycats.com.

To celebrate Major League Baseball’s 0pening Night, individual game tickets for the ValleyCats 2012 season will go on sale Wednesday, April 4 at 10am. Season tickets and mini-plans are currently available online at www.tcvalleycats.com, by phone at (518) 629-CATS or by visiting the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office.

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Tri-City ValleyCats 2012 Promotional Schedule

June 20            Opening Night/Boys of Summer! (FIREWORKS)

Join the ‘Cats and welcome the boys of summer back in town as they kick off the beginning of summer and their 2012 season! All fans will receive a 2012 Schedule Magnet.

June 21            Game Show Night (FIREWORKS)

The price is always right at “The Joe!” Play your favorite TV game shows with contests and prizes all night long.

June 25            Bark in the Park Night

Bring your dog to “The Joe!” (dogs do not need a ticket)

June 26            Tunes for Tuesday/Latino Night

Celebrate the Latino heritage and their contributions to the game of baseball. Join us for a live pre-game concert when gates open at 5pm.

June 27            50 Cent Hot Dog Night

Enjoy your favorite hot dogs for just 50 cents each!

Presented by Helmbold’s Hot Dogs.

June 28            Girls of Summer/Softball Night (FIREWORKS)

Join us as we celebrate local softball players and the women in business and the community of the Capital Region.

June 29            Youth Baseball Night/Field Renovation Celebration

Join us as we honor youth baseball organizations around the Capital Region and celebrate our field renovations!

Presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

June 30            Farm & Agriculture Night/Scout Sleepover

Come pay tribute to our local farmers with fun family on-field activities. Scouts are invited to camp out on the field following the game.

July 4               Independence Day- 6pm First Pitch (FIREWORKS)

Presented by Sunmark FCU, celebrate the birth of our great nation and enjoy one of the best fireworks displays in the Capital Region!

July 5               Veterans Night (FIREWORKS)

Help us honor those who have served our country!

Presented by CSEA.

July 6               Movie Night

Think you know movies? We’ll challenge you all night long with movie trivia and classic clips from the big screen.

July 7               Photo Day/Purple Jersey Auction/Team Poster Giveaway

All fans will receive a 2012 ValleyCats team poster and will have the chance to take pre-game pictures on the field. The team will wear purple jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

July 8               SouthPaw’s Birthday Celebration/Kids Club Day

Come and join the party for SouthPaw’s 11th birthday! It’s also a special day for our Kids Club members, as they will have the chance to participate in exclusive activities.

July 9               We Love New York Night!/Mystery Bobblehead Giveaway

We’ll celebrate the great state of New York and give away a bobblehead to the first 1,500 fans through the gates. Bobblehead will be announced at a later date.

July 17             Tunes for Tuesday/Blues, BBQ and Baseball!

Live pre-game concert by local blues legend Ernie Williams at 5pm.

Presented by Subway Restaurants.

July 18             Welcome to the Future Night! (FIREWORKS)

Join us as we take you into the future! We’ll also showcase the latest innovations from the Tech Valley.

July 21             GE Kids in Free Night! (FIREWORKS)

All children 12 & under will get in FREE with a paying adult!

Courtesy of GE.

July 22             2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day/Pink Jersey Auction

Help us raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Game worn pink jerseys will be auctioned off following the game.

Presented by NYSUT.

July 23             Social Media Monday

Make sure to bring your mobile device to the game to participate in many unique promotions throughout the night! Find us on Facebook & Twitter!

July 24             Camp Day/Senior Day– 11am First Pitch

Take in an afternoon game at “The Joe!”

August 1          5th Annual Going Green Night

Come help us educate the community on how to protect the

environment. Presented by National Grid.

August 2          Summer Olympics Night

On this night we will celebrate the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London! Learn Olympic facts and have the chance to participate in special promotions that will pay tribute to the Olympic events.

August 3          Italian Night (Notte Italiana!) (FIREWORKS)

Join us as we turn “The Joe” into an Italian Festival! There will be plenty of spaghetti and baseball!

August 4          Hall of Fame Night

Cooperstown comes to “The Joe!” See a special display from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and learn about baseball history.

August 5          Community Heroes Night/Superheroes Night

We salute the men and women who help keep our communities safe.

August 6          Camp Day/Senior Day– 11am First Pitch

Enjoy some fun in the sun with a matinee game at “The Joe!”

August 15         Half-Way to Valentine’s Day (FIREWORKS)

Renew your vows or just share the night with that special baseball fan in your life!

August 16         Hot Rods & Home Runs/Stop DWI Night

Come to “The Joe” for some hot rods and home runs while helping to raise awareness on the dangers of drunk driving.

August 17         Blizzard in August/White T-Shirt Giveaway

Due to the lack of winter this past year, we’re creating white out conditions at “The Joe” for a Blizzard in August! We’ll be giving away white t-shirts and rally towels to fans as they enter the stadium.

August 18         Star Wars Night (FIREWORKS)

May the Force be with you! On this night we celebrate the Star Wars

phenomenon. Presented by Coles Collision Centers.

August 19         NFL Night/Wing Fest

Show your team pride and wear your favorite NFL jersey to the game! Also have the opportunity to judge your favorite local wings.

August 20         Capital Region Baseball Heritage Night/Derek Jeter Bobblehead

Come out to Capital Region Baseball Heritage Night, presented by Berkshire Bank, as we celebrate the history of professional baseball in the Capital Region. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive the first in the Heritage Series Bobblehead Collection: Derek Jeter, 1994 Albany-Colonie Yankee.

August 24         4th Annual Home Improvement Night (FIREWORKS)

Come and see the many displays as we turn the concourse into a

home show. Presented by Trustco Bank.

August 25         Summer Reader Night

On this night we will honor local students who have completed their summer reading program.

Presented by NY529 College Savings Program.

August 26         Girls Night Out/Diamond Dig (FIREWORKS)

Back by popular demand, spend a girl’s night out at “The Joe” and have the chance to dig for a diamond after the game.

September 3     Labor Day/Region’s Biggest Cookout!- 5pm First Pitch (FIREWORKS)

Spend your day off at “The Joe” and join in the Capital Region’s biggest cookout! Gates will open early for a day-long celebration!

September 4     Tunes for Tuesday/Irish Night

Live pre-game concert at 5pm by award winning Irish band Hair of the

Dog. Presented by Irish 2000 Music & Arts Festival

September 5     Fans for Life Night! (FIREWORKS)

We give thanks to our fans, the best fans! Giveaways all night long!