By Scott Roblin

Mavericks wanting to improve fan experience with new third base deck

May 21, 2018 | 7:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Less than two weeks remain before the Medicine Hat Mavericks take to the field with WMBL championship aspirations on their mind.

It’s also less than two weeks until fans file through the gates at Athletic Park to watch the ‘boys of summer’ for the first time since last year.

The Mavericks stadium will look slightly different to returning fans, as a new deck capable of holding 25 fans has been constructed above the third base dugout.

Mavericks owner Greg Morrison said the deck, sponsored by Medicine Hat Brewing Company, will give fans another option for how they want to watch the game.

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“You can book literally groups of two right up to 25,” said Morrison. “So, it was a big investment, but it was something that we felt there was some demand for. Folks who want to come out in small settings [can] be able to stand around and mill around, as opposed to being in their seat for the entire game.”

The deck joins the popular Source 1 Realty Party Patio along left field, and the Mavericks will be accepting both reservations and walk ups on game day.

It will cost $20 to reserve a spot on the deck, while those buying tickets to the game can also try their luck on getting a spot on the deck if there are still spaces available.

Morrison said the team is also looking to try some new things this summer with their on-field promotions and prizes.

“We’re trying to make it more where folks can come for that two and a half hours and enjoy it,” said Morrison. “It’s not always just about the baseball, it’s more about their friends, a meeting place, and some of that in-between inning promotions.”

Over 22,000 fans passed through the gates last year, with the team averaging 736 fans per regular season game and over 1,100 during the playoffs.

Those numbers put Medicine Hat in fourth in overall attendance in the WMBL and Morrison said they’re doing what they can to give fans the complete, game day experience.

“The fan that I think is going to make us survive is that family that comes out to maybe two or three games a year,” said Morrison. “That’s really part of that minor league baseball experience, where it’s not just about the balls and strikes out there.”

For the first time in four years, the Mavericks will open up the WMBL season at home as they host the Brooks Bombers at Athletic Park on May 31 at 7:05 pm.