Vancouver Canadians to give fans baseball fix with film screenings at Nat Bailey Stadium
Posted September 17, 2021 11:35 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Baseball is coming back to Vancouver’s Nat Bailey Stadium this month…sort of. Fans who have missed hearing the crack of the bat and roar of the crowd will be able to take in three movies next week while supporting a good cause.
The Vancouver Canadians haven’t played in the city since 2019 due to COVID-19. By the time they return in 2022, it will have been 965 days since they hit their home field.
The club is partnering with Fresh Air Cinema and Fortis BC to show three films over three days.
What is your favourite baseball movie?
Join us #AtTheNat with @FreshAirCinema & @FortisBC and catch a movie!
Tickets are limited and by donation only — benefitting the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation.
https://t.co/KEgCedLCZS pic.twitter.com/nMKHD9kx3f
— Vancouver Canadians (Home Games in Hillsboro, OR) (@vancanadians) September 17, 2021
General Manager Allan Bailey says they jumped at the opportunity to put on a how for sports fans.
“Just being able to do something for the community and get people back out to the ballpark is kind of the main reason why we’re looking to put these movies on,” he says.
Kicking off the series is A League of Their Own on Sept. 23, followed by Field of Dreams on Sept. 24, and The Rookie on Sept. 25. Bailey says he hopes the events will give people who’ve been missing out on a beloved summer tradition a chance to experience some of what they’ve been missing.
“It’s been tough on some. It’s that second family for some people — especially the season ticket holders,” he says.
“They haven’t been able to see those people for two years now. The stories that I keep hearing, they’ve kind of tried to keep in touch with those people, but it’s just not the same as seeing them at the ballpark.”
The suggested donation for entry is $10, with the money raised going to the Vancouver Canadians Foundation.
“It’s basically to support baseball in Vancouver and British Columbia, and help youth through a bunch of challenges that they’re experiencing,” he explains, adding one of the initiatives he’s is most proud of is a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club that brings about 350 kids to the stadium to learn the game.
“It’s really fun having all those kids playing out in the field, getting to learn baseball skills, and being fed a hot meal. The foundation provides all those kids with helmet, a glove, a bag carrier equipment, transportation, and it really gives them that opportunity to play a game that they may not be able to play otherwise.”
Since the park has been closed, the concession stands aren’t stocked or staffed. But Bailey says people are allowed to bring their own popcorn or snacks.
Bailey is hoping the screenings will remind people how much they enjoy the venue, and kickstart sales for the 2022 season.
