BB&T Ballpark hosting 2016 Triple-A All-Star Game. 8 takeaways from press conference
CharlotteFive was invited to a “major announcement” press conference yesterday at 11:30 am in Diamonds Direct Luxury Lounge at BB&T Ballpark. Unlike the Google Fiber press conference, the invite did say that there would be food. It’s about a 4 minute walk from my building – I love the Knights and I love free lunch – so of course, I went.
8 takeaways:
(1) BB&T Ballpark has landed the 2016 Triple-A All Star Game.
Wednesday July 13, 2016. Tickets on sale at a later date (can’t buy them now). It’s the 29th annual Triple-A All-Star Game. Previous Triple-A All-Stars include studs like Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Mike Piazza and Jim Thome.
(2) I really like Dan Rajkowski (EVP & CCO of the Knights aka – guy in charge).
The way Dan talked made me think – this guy is a real baseball guy. Enjoyed his tone. Enjoyed his mannerisms. Enjoyed his confident and casual approach. Dan’s statement: “We are honored by Minor League Baseball and Triple-A Baseball to have been chosen as host city for the 2016 Triple-A All-Star Game. This is a great event that will showcase the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and our beautiful new ballpark to our dedicated fans and a national television audience.”
(3) Video montage grade: B
The Knights played a pretty cool video montage (about 4 minutes long) with Bruno’s new hit, Uptown Funk, as the soundtrack. If you haven’t watched the Uptown Funk music video, watch it, his moves are incredible.
(4) Official 2016 Triple-A All-Star logo unveiled
According to the Knights, the logo “showcases elements of two of America’s favorite pastimes, baseball and auto racing, that converge in Charlotte.” Interesting. Back of Eric Spanberg’s head is in this shot. What up Spanberg?! He’s the CBJ senior staff writer in case you know nothing about Charlotte writers.
(5) The Knights are killing it.
You could feel the success and momentum in the air. BB&T Ballpark and the Knights killed it this year – most visited venue in all of Minor League Baseball in 2014. Adding 235 more seats. International League President Randy Mobley (dude who leads all-star venue selection): “With last year’s opening of the spectacular BB&T Ballpark, the industry leading attendance that followed and the successful hosting of the Gildan Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game, the decision to award the Charlotte Knights the 2016 All-Star Game was not one that involved much discussion.”
(6) Press conference lunch grade: A-
Catered by McAlister’s deli. I was literally the first person to eat. I felt awkward, but whatever. I nailed a club sandwich, pickle, melon and potato salad. Washed it down with a 20-ounce Aquafina. I guess I looked like the awkward guy wearing the North Face jacket there for the lunch.
(7) I love that Charlotte leaders love the Knights.
The community is behind the team and organization. You really got that feeling and it felt cool. A city working together can accomplish a lot (sounds cheesy, but true). Here are the big dawgs in high chairs:
(8) Don’t forget.
The Charlotte Knight’s cheerleading squad, the KnightinGals, will host preliminary tryouts this Sunday.
Photos: Todd Sumlin & David T. Foster, III / Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published February 5, 2015 at 1:19 AM with the headline "BB&T Ballpark hosting 2016 Triple-A All-Star Game. 8 takeaways from press conference."