The Inland Empire’s three Minor League Baseball teams are preparing for the 2024 season, which kicks off Friday, April 5.
This year, fans can expect to see changes including new team owners, a new Hall of Fame and stadium upgrades. Local teams are also continuing the tradition of entertaining promotions, which will range from jersey giveaways and wrestling to an “Awful Nite.”
“Minor League Baseball is all about affordable family entertainment,” Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Vice President Grant Riddle said Wednesday, April 3.
The Inland Empire 66ers, the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, welcomed the community back to San Manuel Stadium with a Fan Fest on Tuesday, April 2, where fans could get autographs, food and take part in raffles.
For the San Bernardino-based team, the new season will come with new owners.
After more than 30 years of ownership by the Elmore Sports Group, an agreement to sell the team to Diamond Baseball Holdings was announced last week. The organization now owns 30 Minor League Baseball teams, according to its website.
“Our family is deeply grateful to the Inland Empire community and 66ers fans for helping us build something truly special here,” D.G. Elmore, chairman of Elmore Sports Group, said in a news release.
He added that he’s proud of the group’s impact, and that “the 66ers are in great hands” with its new owners. The sale will be official following final approvals and agreements.
The 66ers’ opening weekend includes three home games against the Visalia Rawhide.
Meanwhile, fans of the Lake Elsinore Storm, the Single-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, took part in the annual Storm Player Welcome Dinner on Wednesday. The event also raised money for Thunder Cares, a part of the Inland Empire Community Foundation.
The Storm is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, “and we’re starting a Storm Hall of Fame,” Multimedia Manager Justin Jett Pickard said Wednesday.
Wade LeBLanc, who started his career with the Padres and retired in 2022, will become its first inductee on April 19, Pickard said.
The stadium’s Diamond Taproom is back this season, he said, and will start offering Sunday brunch before 1 p.m. games. Fans can also reserve a private speakeasy suite above the brewery.
Also, the bullpens have been relocated to the home side, both for players’ safety and to provide a better view for fans, Pickard said.
Opening weekend at The Diamond stadium will see three back-to-back games between the Storm and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, with post-game fireworks planned for Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6.
The Quakes’ first home game at LoanMart Field will follow soon after, on Tuesday, April 9. The team is the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The field will debut new lights, which Riddle said “will be a big improvement,” and this will be the stadium’s first full season with a new scoreboard.
The teams’ first home games are:
- 66ers: Friday, April 5, 6:35 p.m. vs. Visalia Rawhide at San Manuel Stadium. Buy tickets here.
- Storm: Friday, April 5, 6:45 p.m. vs. Quakes at The Diamond stadium. Buy tickets here.
- Quakes: Tuesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. vs. Stockton Ports at LoanMart Field. Buy tickets here.
KEY PROMOTIONS
Minor league teams are known for their promotions. Here are some highlights for the 2024 season.
Inland Empire 66ers
May 4: A Pachuco bobblehead – depicting two skeletons in a lowrider – will be given away during Pachuco weekend as the team dons custom Pachucos uniforms.
July 10: Nothing Night is billed as “just a night of baseball; pure and simple.” Fans get free entry and can bring their own food.
July 13: The 66ers will wear special uniforms celebrating the city of Redlands as part of Redlands Weekend.
Aug. 23: Star Wars Night offers the chance to take photos with characters attending the game.
Lake Elsinore Storm
May 26: Wrestling Day will feature post-game wrestling matches and mid-inning breaks with pro wrestlers.
May 31: Prom Night will include limousines and a red carpet at the front gate, a photo booth, dancing and an elected Storm king and queen. Wearing prom attire earns fans a “buy one, get one card” for a future game.
June 28: Halfway to Halloween invites fans to wear costumes, enjoy Halloween music, games and trick-or-treating at concession stands.
Aug. 30: Awful Nite will be a “very bad day,” complete with a failing public-address system and bad fireworks. Fans can design ugly uniforms.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
May 18: Star Wars Night will include photo opportunities and crafts.
June 21: “Friends” Night is dedicated to the popular TV sitcom and includes free “Friends” mugs, photo opportunities and an auction for a jersey themed to the show.
July 19: Joe Kelly Bobblehead Night will celebrate the popular Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher.
Sept. 7: Marvel Super Hero Night will see the Quakes wear special super hero jerseys while fans enjoy photo opportunities.
