T-Bones release 2013 schedule

By MATT FULKS, tbonesbaseball.com

The Kansas City T-Bones have announced their 100-game schedule for the 2013 season.

The T-Bones open the season with a home-and-home series against the rival Wichita Wingnuts on May 16.

The first two games are scheduled to be played in Wichita, with the two teams then opening the CommunityAmerica Ballpark season on Saturday, May 18.

The T-Bones will continue that eight-game homestand – the longest of the season – with three games against another rival, the Lincoln Saltdogs, during May 20-22, and then three with Gary SouthShore (May 24-26).

“For the first time in our history, our Home Opener will be on a Saturday night, which is exciting for our fans and the metro area,” said T-Bones General Manager Chris Browne. “Playing an in-state rival like Wichita just adds to the atmosphere on and off the field.”

The holiday portion of the schedule will have the T-Bones at home during Memorial Day weekend and on July 4. 

Kansas City will play host to Gary SouthShore during May 24-26 (the club does not play on Memorial Day), which will include a special 7:05 p.m. start on Sunday night with fireworks to follow. Then, Sioux Falls will be at CommunityAmerica Ballpark July 2-5.

“Playing at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on the fourth of July has become somewhat of a T-Bones tradition for our fans and Kansas City overall,” Browne said. “I’m glad this tradition will continue and we look forward to more award-winning post-game fireworks shows.”

Once again, the T-Bones will play interleague games against teams from the Can-Am League. Unlike last season, however, all of Kansas City’s games against Can-Am teams will be played at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. 

The two series against opponents to be determined at a later date are scheduled for June 7-9 and August 19-21.

The T-Bones finish out the regular season on the road with a three-game series at Wichita, beginning August 31. Besides opening and closing the season against the Wingnuts, the two teams will play another four-game home-and-home series midway through the season, July 10 and 11 in Wichita and then July 12 and 13 in Kansas City.

“It's pretty exciting that the alpha and the omega of our regular-season competition is with our in-state rival Wichita,” said T-Bones President Adam Ehlert. “I think we're going to have the Wingnuts' number next season."

The T-Bones face the 2012 American Association champion Winnipeg Goldeyes for only one series, Aug. 16-18, at Winnipeg.

The month-by-month breakdown of the 50 home games: May (8), June (13), July (15) and August (14). Monday-Saturday games are still 7:05 p.m. starts and Sundays remain 5:05 p.m. contests at CommunityAmerica Ballpark with the following exceptions:

•   May 26 – Memorial Day weekend game set for 7:05 p.m.

•   June 5 and June 19 – School Day games set for 11:05 a.m.

•    July 28 – National Parent’s Day matinee set for 1:05 p.m.

Dates and times are subject to change and are weather permitting. Full season and nightly promotions will be announced this winter. Full and half-season ticket packages are on sale now for as low as $212.50. 

Single-game tickets will go on sale in March 2013. 

Parking for T-Bones games will remain free in 2013. For more information or to secure your season tickets for next season, call 913-328-5640. Stay tuned to www.tbonesbaseball.com and the T-Bones’ Facebook page for updates throughout the offseason.