HARTFORD, Conn. — For the second straight season, all Hartford Yard Goats home games at Dunkin’ Park will feature a kiosk showcasing a Black-owned small business from the Greater Hartford area, according to a release from the team Friday.
The Yard Goats, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, said the initiative was developed after the team held a very successful Black-owned business expo at Dunkin’ Park last year that featured more than 50 vendors exhibiting their products and services. In addition to partnering with Bank of America, the team is collaborating with Sto Black Marketplace to choose businesses that will promote their brands, services and/or products at the ballpark.
“We’re thrilled to continue promoting Black-owned small businesses from the area, following the success of the first season,” Yard Goats General Manager Mike Abramson said in the release. "Along with our partners at Bank of America, we’re hoping to contribute to the continued growth and recognition of these businesses and their founders.”
Joe Gianni, president of Bank of America Greater Hartford, said entrepreneurs and small business owners are the economy’s backbone and they help drive progress and economic development in local communities daily.
“I am encouraged to see the strength and resilience of the small business ecosystem in Hartford and look forward to highlighting this dynamic lineup of local Black-owned businesses in partnership with the Yard Goats,” Gianni said in the release.
A Black-owned small business will be hosted by the Yard Goats at every home game during the 2024 season and will be featured at a kiosk on the main concourse to allow the entrepreneurs to engage with possible customers and promote their brands. Additionally, the Black-owned businesses will be promoted throughout the ballpark on the public address system, shown on the videoboard and included on the Yard Goats’ social media platforms.
The Yard Goats play their home opener on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:10 p.m. against the Bowie Baysox, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
RELATED: Hartford Yard Goats announce $5 fan friendly parking as well a a commuter plan for games this season
The team plays its first home games against the Portland Sea Dogs, the Boston Red Sox Double-A Eastern League affiliate, from April 23-28. It plays its first home games against the Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A Eastern League affiliate, from Aug. 13-18.
Individual game tickets for all Yard Goats home games, season tickets, group tickets, hospitality options and luxury suites are on sale for the 2024 season by calling 860-246-4628 (GOAT), by visiting online, or in person at the “Click It or Ticket Box Office” at Dunkin’ Park.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
