Durham Bulls Baseball: Good times at the ballpark
Finding an outing that is as alluring for adults as it is for kids isn’t always easy to come by. But when you are sitting in the stands at a Durham Bulls baseball game, it’s clear you’ve discovered the ideal spot for inexpensive entertainment for all ages. From April through September, thousands of dwellers in the Triangle and beyond head to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (the D-Bap, as the locals like to say) for some baseball, grilled brats and good old fashioned fun.
The Durham Bulls originated in 1912 as part of the North Carolina State League. Fast forward just shy of a century later with numerous league changes, affiliate changes and an eight-year hiatus from ’72-’80, and you’ll find today’s Bulls in full swing. A part of the International League for the last 12 seasons, they are the celebrated minor league team in the area and the Triple-A affiliate of the major league Tampa Bay Rays.
Currently, the Bulls are the reigning 2009 Triple-A National Champions with three Governor’s Cup wins as well. Their premium ball play is certainly exciting for the passionate baseball fan, but even if you aren’t necessarily into baseball, there are plenty of other stimuli happening at the ballpark, including fireworks following many a ballgame. And then there’s everyone’s favorite mascot, Wool E. Bull, trucking around the field in his buggy and psyching up the crowd.
Not to go unmentioned, there are always food and libations to add to the ballpark festivities. If it’s a sweet treat that grabs your attention, no need to look for long. Just about every sugar-filled confection you can imagine is on offer, and boy, do the kids know it. On constant rotation are staffers walking through the stands with fluffy cotton candy, brightly colored syrupy shaved ice snow cones and powdery funnel cakes all for your sweet tooth’s delight. Hot dogs, pizza, and Jersey Mike’s Cheese Steaks are in abundance, while area breweries are also well represented at the D-Bap with craft drafts from Foothills and the Carolina Brewery along with the other popular tall boy canned domestics.
A day or night at the D-Bap is a super destination for families, groups, dates and friends. Set beside Durham’s impressive American Tobacco Campus -- one of the largest historic preservation and renovation projects in the state, housing restaurants and shops -- things to do before and after the game abound. These days, a trip to the D-Bap gives “take me out to the ballgame” added meaning.
HelloRaleigh Tip: If you are new to a Bulls game, then keep your eye on the “snorting bull” billboard looming over the diamond in left field. It’s tradition that whenever a Durham Bull hits a homer, the bull’s eyes flash, his nostrils smoke, and his tail wags. Go Bulls!
Posted by Angela Risko
