Post by nutsberryfarm 🏜 on Jul 14, 2020 17:14:40 GMT
www.pressherald.com/2020/07/14/fans-have-a-golf-ball-at-hadlock-field/
PORTLAND — Balls were flying all over Hadlock Field last weekend, but there wasn’t a baseball player in sight.
The outfield was full of golf balls, not baseballs, as part of a special event to bring fans to the Hadlock Field during the canceled 2020 season. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer
From July 9-12, Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs, was transformed from baseball diamond to golf green as part of a special opportunity for golfers to test their skill driving balls from nine Sky Box platforms to targets painted in the outfield.
Converting the field into a golf course is one of the ways the team is looking to connect with fans and bring in some money now that the 2020 Minor League baseball season has been canceled.
“Obviously we were extremely disappointed when the season was canceled, but now we are looking for some fun ways we can still be engaged with our community,” said Chris Cameron, Sea Dogs Vice President of Communications and Fan Experience. “This is something we had seen the San Diego Padres do. We always thought this is something we’d like to do in the fall after our season was done. With COVID-19, we thought we would try it now.”
Cameron said the 200 tee times at “Hadlinks 2020” sold out within 24 hours. A second round of golf is planned for Aug. 6-9. Each golfer pays $30 to participate.
Freeport resident Paul Bard says he is a big baseball fan, especially enjoying Minor League games.
