America's pastime is alive and well in Hudson Valley! If you're looking for a family outing that won't break the bank (like major league games can easily do), Dutchess Stadium (affectionately known as The Dutch) offers fun for the whole family. In addition to catching a game starring resident minor league team, the Hudson Valley Renegades, there are lots of other kid-friendly programs and events at The Dutch. We briefly mentioned the Hudson Valley Renegades in our post about minor leagues in the NY metro area but it's definitely worth mentioning again, especially since this week is Kid's Week, which means kids 12 & under get free admission to games this Tuesday-Thursday! Read on for more details about Dutchess Stadium, the Hudson Valley Renegades, free entry for kids this week and other events happening this season and year round.
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The Hudson Valley Renegades are the Class A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Located in Dutchess County, the 'Gades as they are affectionately referred to by locals, are the pride of the valley coming off their 2012 NY Penn League Championship season. They play in Wappingers Falls, NY, and a trip to a ballgame is fun for all, from cracker jacks and peanuts to the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the seventh inning stretch.
The kids will love the between inning games and the PA Announcer keeps the excitement going. The atmosphere at the stadium is geared toward families and the team mascots aim to please. The resident raccoons are larger than life...really! The mascots, Rookie, Rene and Rascal, a fun and fuzzy raccoon family, are on hand to visit with the kids and keep the crowd cheering. Take some time out at Rascal's Clubhouse for some fun and games. Play on an inflatable or try your hand at the speed pitch.
In addition to the games, the Renegades offer other great activities for kids and families, including birthday parties, baseball camps and a wonderful baseball buddies program where local teams take the field with the players at the opening of each home game. There are also amazing theme night specials and giveaways.
Dutchess Stadium is located at 1500 Route 9D in Wappinger Falls. This week is Kid's Week at The Dutch, so kids 12 & under get a free ticket to games this Tuesday, 7/30, Wednesday, 7/31, and Thursday, 8/1. In addition, the kids have the opportunity to run the bases after these special games and can play for free all game long at Rascal's Clubhouse. Thursday, 8/1, is also Build-a-Bear night--the first 1,000 kids 12 and under will receive a special Renegades collectible bear!
Normal ticket prices start at $8, with an additional fee of $2 when purchased the day of the game or on nights with firework shows. For more information, visit the team website and make a summer memory at the ballpark!
Photo Credit: Alex Neil