Over the last few years, I’ve touted the experience of taking in a game up in Lake Elsinore, where the Padres’ High-A team — the Lake Elsinore Storm — play their games. From the intimacy of The Diamond, to the hopeful prospects trying to make the Majors, to the promotions the Storm excel at executing, Lake Elsinore is a close (70 miles from downtown San Diego) and affordable option for getting your baseball fix when the Padres aren’t at Petco Park. Or even when they are.
The Storm completely remodeled the seating area over the last two years, adding party decks, high top tables, and Four Tops tables (similar to the T-Mobile Home Run Deck at Petco Park). This season features the new Hangar 24 Brewery Flight Deck, a complete redesign of the seating area in left field outside of the Diamond Club.
This is the first of a monthly update on this season’s promotions coming to The Diamond. The following is what the Storm has planned for the month of May.
Cell Phone Fan Giveaway
Friday, May 4th
You ever think to yourself, it’s so warm. I wish I had a small fan that is powered by my cell phone right now. Well, thanks to Cricket Wireless, now you will. Provided you are one of the first 1,500 through the gates.
Cinco de Mayo
Saturday, May 5th
All the guac you can keep down!*
*I don’t think that’s the promotion. I’m sure they’ll just have some Cinco de Mayo-themed in-game bits and some food specials. However, a guacamole eating contest sounds like something the Storm would do.
The Return of the Rally Cop
Thursday, May 17th
I think this 2012 video by the Storm sums up who/what the Rally Cop is better than I ever could put into words.
Under 25 College Night
Thursday, May 24th
All I know about this is I’m not under 25 and not in college anymore, so I’m not eligible to participate in anything they do on this night.
#EyesOn25 Social Media Night #1 & Planet Fitness Night
Friday, May 25th
25 lucky fans will be chosen via a Storm Facebook social media contest to participate in a unique behind-the-scenes Storm game experience. And Planet Fitness will be there doing some fitness things. For Lake Elsinore, if not the entire planet.
Team Photo
Saturday, May 26th
A staple giveaway for any professional sports team. Again, limited to the first 1,500 fans.
Daily Promotions
Giveaways and themed nights are fun enough, but the Storm do something every home game. Each day of the week has either discounted tickets, food & drink specials, autographs, or post-game fireworks. Sometimes all of the above.
Salute to Soldiers Sunday Fundays
Bark ‘N Brew Mondays
Fiesta Tuesdays
WinsDays
Thirsty Thursdays
Fireworks Fridays
Signature Saturdays
There you have it. If something looks interesting to you, I encourage you to make the short trip up to Lake Elsinore and check it out up there. You won’t be disappointed.