BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte to Host Mid-Summer Classic in July of 2016
The Charlotte Knights and BB&T Ballpark – the most visited venue across all of Minor League Baseball in 2014 – have been awarded the 2016 Triple-A All-Star Game, as well as adjoining All-Star Game festivities. The announcement was made at a press conference earlier this morning by Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. The 29th annual Triple-A All-Star Game, which features the top talent from the International League against the top talent from the Pacific Coast League, will take place on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at BB&T Ballpark and will be nationally televised on MLB Network.
“This is amazing news for Charlotte baseball fans,” said Michael Smith, president and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners. “It is equally exciting for the Charlotte hospitality industry and for those of us who recruit jobs and investment to our community. Today’s announcement is yet another contribution that this ballpark and the Knights are bringing to Charlotte.”
“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,” stated Rajkowski. “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. We look forward to putting on a truly great event.”
Played annually since 1988, the Triple-A All-Star Game rotates annually between International League and Pacific Coast League cities. The 2015 Triple-A All-Star Game will be played in Omaha, NE on July 15, 2015. Under current rules, the winning league of the Triple-A All-Star Game earns home field advantage in the Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game, which the Knights hosted on September 16, 2014 at BB&T Ballpark.
“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,” stated International League President Randy Mobley. “While there is quite a waiting list of teams anxious to host this event, there was truly only one choice for 2016. While the nationally televised game is the focal event in this multi-day gathering, the home run derby and other fan oriented activities will provide several opportunities for fans to share in the excitement.”
Among the other public events scheduled at BB&T Ballpark during All-Star Week are an All-Star Fan Fest — which will feature fan autograph sessions and baseball-themed attractions, a Home Run Derby, an All-Star luncheon and other events throughout the Charlotte community.
2016 Triple-A Baseball Events at BB&T Ballpark
Monday, July 11
Home Run Derby
Wednesday, July 13
All-Star Luncheon
All-Star Fan Fest
Triple-A Baseball All-Star Game
“In choosing Charlotte and BB&T Ballpark for hosting the Triple-A All-Star Game, the International League and the Pacific Coast League continue a tradition of showcasing our newest and finest facilities,” stated Branch B. Rickey, Pacific Coast League President. “Coupled with the Knights first class operation and the terrific support shown by their fans, this choice is a win in every aspect. What a great opportunity for the IL and PCL to showcase our stars of the future.”
Each year all 30 Major League Baseball organizations are represented with at least one player in the Triple-A All-Star Game. Over the years, future Major League stars such as Derek Jeter, Jim Thome, Chipper Jones, Mike Piazza, Andrew McCutchen, and Chase Utley, were all Triple-A All-Stars. Newly inducted National Baseball Hall-of-Famer Pedro Martinez played in the 1992 edition.
The Knights last played host to an All-Star Game on July 13, 1992 — exactly 24 years to the day that the 2016 game will take place. The 1992 Southern League All-Star Game took place at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, SC. At the time, the Knights were the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The team advanced to Triple-A the following season and became the top affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.
Also on Wednesday, the Knights unveiled the official 2016 Triple-A All-Star Logo, which showcases elements of two of America’s favorite pastimes, baseball and auto racing, that converge in Charlotte. The NASCAR Hall of Fame building makes up part of the impressive Queen City skyline and will serve as a venue for a Gala Event for game participants.
Tickets for the 2016 Triple-A All-Star Game and corresponding events will go on sale at a later date.
Season tickets, as well as 18-game partial ticket plans for the 2015 season at BB&T Ballpark, are on sale now and can be purchased online at charlotteknights.com, by phone at 704-274-8282, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office located at 324 S. Mint St. The Charlotte Knights return home to BB&T Ballpark on Friday, April 3 as they host the Chicago White Sox in an exhibition game. Tickets for the Knights Leadoff Luncheon are also on sale now. Opening Knight of the 2015 season is set for Thursday, April 9. Uptown Knights Are Better Than Ever!