The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – May 27, 2016 – The excitement of Northwest Indiana Oilmen baseball is set to return with more buzz than ever before as the team prepares for its fifth season.

The Oilmen have announced their promotional and special events schedule for the 2016 season. The fun begins on Tuesday, June 7 when the Oilmen take on the Michigan City Lakers at 7:20 p.m. on Opening Night. Fans will have the chance to catch their first glimpse of Oilmen baseball this summer as the Region’s Team returns home.

This year’s slate of weekly promotions is loaded with excitement. Two for Tuesday’s will offer fans the opportunity to purchase lawn seats for the discounted price of $2, taking the team’s motto of affordable family fun to a whole new level. On Wednesday, it’s Ladies Night at the ballpark with preferred seats available to all fans for the discounted price of $5.

An old favorite returns on Thursday, as the Oilmen host Thirsty Thursday, with $2 beers available at the concession stand. Get the weekend started right with a night of fun at the ballpark. This year, Friday will feature Oilmen special event nights.

On Saturdays, a brand new promotion will allow fans to enjoy a pregame concert on Country Nights at the ballpark. Performers this season include Brant Vogel on June 11, Hossier Ditty Band on June 18, Jimmy Saar Band on June 25, Marla Vickers Project on July 2, the Frank Paul Band on July 16 and High Noon Band on July 23. The concerts will take place on the field during the hour leading up to the game, encouraging fans to arrive early to enjoy great country music for no additional charge.

Each weekend culminates with Family Day on Sunday. All lawn seats are $3 and kids will have the opportunity to pretend to be their favorite Oilmen player as they run the bases after the game.

Fans that attend the first Friday home game of the year – June 10 at 7:20 against the DuPage County Hounds – will walk away with an addition to their wardrobe. It’s free Oilmen T-shirt Night at Oil City Stadium. The first 400 fans through the gate will receive a free T-shirt.

A week later, the DuPage County Hounds will be the visiting team, but they won’t be the only dogs inside the stadium. On Friday, June 17 it’s the return of an annual favorite, Bark in the Park Night. Fans can bring their furry, four-legged friends for a night of fun to benefit the Calumet Humane Society. All dogs will be admitted for no additional charge. It’s a 7:20 first pitch as the Oilmen attempt to out-growl the Hounds.

On Saturday, June 18 fans can dress up like their favorite super hero for Super Hero Saturday. Help the ballpark look like the Justice League headquarters by coming in full costume. All fans dressed as super heroes will receive free admission.

Community Night at the ballpark is slated for Wednesday, June 22 against Michigan City at 7:20. Join the Oilmen for a celebration of the Whiting-Robertsdale community with friends and neighbors. The event is sponsored by Community Healthcare System. Preferred tickets will be available for the discounted price of $5.

One date fans should be sure to circle on their calendars is Friday, June 24. For the first time in team history, the Oilmen will be giving away Oilman Stan bobble heads to the first 400 fans. Fans don’t want to miss the rare chance to nab this collectible item. July 1 and July 2 provides a weekend loaded with giveaways, as the Oilmen give out T-shirts to the first 400 fans on Friday, July 1 and miniature bats to the first 400 fans on Saturday, July 2.

That leads up to what figures to be among the most memorable days of the season at Oil City Stadium on Monday, July 4. The Oilmen continue their tradition of supporting veteran causes with the fifth annual Veterans Benefit Game. For the first time since 2013, the U.S. Military All-Stars – a baseball team of active duty servicemen – will be in the area for their Red, White and Blue Tour. The team filled with players from braches of services around the world will face the Oilmen on July 4 at 3 p.m.

The July 4 fun begins long before the game itself. Following the City of Whiting parade and before the game, the Oilmen will welcome the band High Noon for a pregame concert beginning at noon.

Another group of All-Stars will come to Northwest Indiana on Tuesday, July 12. This time, it’s the league’s brightest stars, who will be on display in the 2016 Midwest Collegiate League All-Star Game. The first pitch is slated for 7:20 as Oil City Stadium hosts the event for the fourth straight year and fifth time overall.

One of the most entertaining nights of the 2015 season came on Elvis Night. That figures to be the case again this year when an Elvis impersonator performs during the July 15 game. Come be entertained by all the Elvis hits. For the second consecutive year, the Oilmen will welcome Michael St. Angel, the top Elvis impersonator in the Chicagoland area. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to dress up like Elvis yourself to make it even more of an experience at the ballpark.

Fans will receive increased comfort on Friday, July 22 as the Oilmen hold Seat Cushion Giveaway Night. The first 400 fans will receive a free seat cushion. On Saturday, July 23, it’s an Oilman Stan bobble head giveaway to the first 400 fans. Then, the regular season concludes on Thursday, July 28 with the chance for the Oilmen to recognize their fans for their support throughout the season on Fan Appreciation Night.

Don’t miss all the excitement of an action-packed year at the ballpark. For the full 2016 schedule and ticket information, visit NWIOilmen.com.