By BRENDAN MEYERS

Spending an afternoon or night at a baseball game may seem boring to those who don’t enjoy sports, but the Beloit Sky Carp makes it an intriguing event for everyone. With the different promotional theme nights, the in-between inning activities, and post-game firework shows, going to a Sky Carp game is a can’t miss experience in Beloit. 

Step 1: Look at the promotional calendar and select your tickets in advance. The Sky Carp offer some exceptional promotions like Star Wars Night, Dino Night, etc. to try and attract as many fans as possible. You will also save a couple of bucks per ticket by ordering in advance. I would recommend choosing any Thursday game where all draft beers are only $2, or any Friday or Saturday game starting in June because they have post game fireworks for all of them.

Step 2: On the day of the game, get there about 15-30 early so you can get a good parking spot. Parking is one of the biggest complaints fans have about Sky Carp games. With the Rock River taking up the entire west side of the ballpark, there is not much space for parking. The center field lot is the most convenient spot to park.

Step 3: Go to the Beak Boutique merchandise shop and get some Sky Carp swag! The shop has all things Sky Carp including clothing, hats, and accessories. I would highly recommend some Supper Clubbers merch. The Supper Clubbers are the Sky Carp’s alternate logo and identity that they wear for every Friday home game throughout the season. The maroon and orange color combo fits well together. The logo of the drink with a tuxedo holding a bat and ball is ingenious.

Step 4: Take your picture with the mascot Poopsie. Poopsie roams around the ballpark on the concourse and is always happy to stop and take pictures with fans. He is a fan favorite because he shows up at places in the Beloit community like schools and stores.

Step 5: Try the new and improved concessions. I would recommend the buffalo chicken mac and cheese or the pretzel sticks the Sky Carp highlighted on their social media platforms. In past years, many fans have complained about the concessions in the ballpark at ABC Supply stadium. This season, the Sky Carp have hired a new food and beverage company called RS3 to improve on the quality of food and speed of service. RS3 specializes in sporting event concessions and has been successful with other teams like the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Step 6: Stay engaged and enjoy the between inning promotions. Some of the most unique promotions that go on at Sky Carp games are the condiments race and the “Name that Tune” promotion. The condiments race is a spinoff of the presidents race the Washington Nationals and the sausage race the Milwaukee Brewers do. Four kids dress up in condiment costumes and race from center field to the infield. The “Name that Tune” promotion plays a random song on the video board and a fan has to guess what it is. 

Step 7: Keep the programs they hand out as a souvenir to remember your experience. Who knows, someday one of the players you watched at the game can turn into a superstar in the MLB.

Following these steps will not guarantee a good time. The main thing to remember is to have fun. Enjoy spending the night with your family or friends. It is much better than being stuck at work or school. 

Featured image: MLB.com