Field at Wild Things Park to be Named After Post-9/11 Veterans Organization, It's About the Warrior Foundation
Wild Things, also announce $8 military/veteran ticket, new in-game promotions for veterans and active military in 2018
WASHINGTON, Pa. (March 21) – The playing surface at Wild Things Park will have a new name in 2018, as the Wild Things and the It’s About the Warrior Foundation, a post-9/11 veterans foundation, have partnered to rename the field “It’s About the Warrior Field.”
It’s About the Warrior Foundation (IATWF) was created in 2012 by Founder and Executive Director Steve Monteleone, a seven-year veteran of the United States Air Force. The foundation assists and empowers all Tri-State area, post-9/11 veterans and their families with its various programs. To learn more about IATWF, please visit the website at www.iatw.us.
The partnership between the organization and IATWF is something both sides hope creates awareness for the organization and its benefits for all post-9/11 veterans, and awareness of the Foundation from the general public as well.
“The Washington Wild Things were established right around 9/11, and that’s a day that effected all of us. So it’s very appropriate that, in 2018, we’re going to start a relationship and a partnership with It’s About the Warrior,” said Christine Blaine, director of corporate sponsorships for the Wild Things. “We have so much to thank [United States veterans] for. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be here playing baseball. It’s really exciting to us to be able to offer our facility to them and to know we’re going to be calling our field: It’s About the Warrior Field. I think what it’s going to do is help draw more attention to them and their mission and we’re thrilled to be a part of that.”
“We have great partnerships with the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, the University of Pittsburgh and now the Washington Wild Things too,” said Monteleone. “As we go, the main goal is to get more guys to sign up, and I think this is a great opportunity here, with the Washington Wild Things, to promote our organization and what we do.”
In conjunction with this announcement, the team has also announced an $8 anywhere-in-the-park ticket that all veterans and active military can take advantage of during the 2018 season. Any veteran/active military member can sit anywhere they want to in the park by presenting a valid military ID at the box office.
“Introducing a discounted military ticket was a priority for us. With our field drawing awareness to the It’s About the Warrior Foundation, it is important that all veterans feel at home at Wild Things Park,” said General Manager and Vice President of the Wild Things Steven Zavacky. “We encourage veterans to take advantage of these $8 tickets and enjoy the best seats at the ballpark. We appreciate their sacrifices for America’s freedom and we dedicate our play of America’s Pastime to them.”
The Wild Things are also adding two segments to the in-game experience to honor veterans and active military in attendance. During all 2018 home games, one veteran will be chosen as the “Stoney’s Veteran of the Game,” and will receive a free Stoney’s draft, compliments of Stoney’s Beer. Also, the Wild Things, opposing team and fans will honor all veterans and active military in attendance at each game, by recognizing them as they stand during an inning break of the evening’s game.
The partnership between the Wild Things and IATWF is not exclusive to just the field’s dedication, but also involves charitable donations through two separate “Salute to Service” nights. The first is scheduled for Saturday, June 9. “Salute to Service” Night will feature a guest appearance by Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva and a “Big Al” bobblehead giveaway. The night also will see a jersey auction, with part of the proceeds going to IATWF. The second is “Dingers Only Night” with Pat McAfee, presented by Venture Energy Solutions. More information on that night, scheduled for June 21, is available at www.washingtonwildthings.com
“Being the community asset it is, the Wild Things organization has looked and continues to look for ways to give back to the community and operates as a community-first organization,” said Zavacky. “Our goal is for both sides to benefit from this partnership, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
About the Washington Wild Things
The Washington Wild Things are a professional baseball team in the Frontier League that plays in Washington, PA. The Wild Things open the season May 11 at Evansville, with the 2018 home opener scheduled for Tuesday, May 15. Season ticket packages, with new benefits, are available, as well as other promotions going on throughout the offseason. Call the box office at 724-250-9555 for inquiries and purchases.
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