There’s just something special about April in Huntsville. The city is waking up after the long winter, and I love to see it. The trees blooming in Big Spring Park, enjoying the warmer temperatures in the air, and seeing if I can still fit into my shorts from last year are all on my April to-do list. However, my favorite sign of spring is opening night at Toyota Field with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. The Trash Pandas are entering year two of their run in the Tennessee Valley, and they are ready to swing for the fences.
The Rocket City Trash Pandas are the AA affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. Although these are the stars of tomorrow on the field, the Trash Pandas organization offers a big-league gametime experience. With merchandise sales rivaling some MLB clubs, the rocket city trash pandas are making a name for themselves in the Huntsville area in a Big Way. I mean, c’mon! Trash Pandas! The name alone is worth going to see them play!
Each homestand runs from Tuesday to Sunday, and you’ll want to buy your tickets early because Toyota Field can get crowded. You’ll also want to bring an appetite because their concession stands are out of this world! They are the only professional sports organization in the country that offers Conecuh dogs, and they are delicious. I’m not kidding! If your shorts still fit from last year, grab two. They also offer tacos, burgers, brats, soft-serve ice cream, and many other treats to satisfy your cravings. And get there early because the lines can get long… But I promise you it’s worth the wait.
Even if baseball isn’t something you’re interested in, the on-field promotion team always keeps their crowd engaged. They have dance cams, astronaut races, T-shirt tosses, and everything else to keep you interested for an evening at the park. And be sure to hang around after the game on Friday and Saturday nights as they do fireworks. With berm tickets starting at eight dollars each, you can bring the entire family down for a wonderful night of entertainment and fun at a reasonable price.
Spring is here, and Toyota Field is the place to be! Go Trash Pandas!
Jake Brasfield has been a Huntsville resident for nearly his entire life. After graduating from the University of North Alabama in 2012, Jake returned to Huntsville to continue calling the Rocket City “home.” As a native of Huntsville, Jake has watched the changes coming to Huntsville for a long time and couldn’t be any more excited about the progress and potential this town has. You will likely find Jake at either a food truck rally, a Trash Pandas baseball game, a Huntsville Havoc hockey game, checking out a local music act, or all of the above. Say hey to Jake if you ever see him around town! He’d love to meet you and tell you all about his home of Huntsville.
