Mouth-watering hot dogs, ice-cold drinks, a diamond in the dirt and a flurry of sights and sounds all spliced together create a perfect summer outing: a night at the baseball park. More specifically, a night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

Sure, fans get to witness a favorite national pastime. But a trip to Whitaker Bank Ballpark is an incredibly fan-focused experience.

Regular specials include: 25-cent Hotdog Tuesdays; Thirsty Thursdays, which offer $1 beers on the first base side on the Bullpen Patio; and Bark in the Park for patrons who want to take their dogs along for a $2-donation to the local animal shelter.

The “Biggest and Baddest Fireworks Show” takes place following the games on select Fridays, as well as July 4, 5 and 6. One of the best displays I’ve been fortunate enough to see on a recent Independence Day.

Several special appearances are slated, as well. Star Wars characters will be present at the July 6 game. Princess Day is July 7 and will feature a pregame parade. PJ Masks characters Catboy, Owlette and Gekko will be at the park on July 12, and the ZOOperstars will be in attendance on July 26. A Faith and Family Night featuring a Christian music concert following the game will take place on July 27. It’s SpongeBob SquarePants night on August 9, and the players will wear SpongeBob jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game, with proceeds going to the ALS Association.

On select days, it’s family playtime on the field for those who arrive 90 minutes prior to the first pitch. Children are invited to run the bases prior to the start of the game.

At Whitaker Bank Ballpark, menu choices go beyond the traditional ballpark food offerings. In addition to favorites such as dogs, Cracker Jacks, peanuts and nachos featured at the concession stands, the park offers some unique items at the Kentucky Ale Taproom. Here, fans can chow down on bacon-wrapped chicken nuggets, Buffalo chicken spring rolls, deep-fried beer cheese balls and tater tots loaded with Buffalo chicken. Of course, burgers, wings and salads are also on the menu.

We like to attend for the games, entertainment and for the food, but we often leave with a gift in hand, too. Upcoming events for patrons include a kids’ jersey giveaway. Thematic bobbleheads are popular items, too. One honoring JD Martinez, a former Legends player who is a World Series Champion, a two-time All-Star and a three-time Silver Slugger, will be distributed on July 13. Black Panther bobbleheads will be given away on July 28.

For tickets or for more information and details about specially-scheduled promotions and events, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com or call 859-252-4487.

(Note: Marjorie Appelman is an English, communications and journalism teacher at Mason County High School and co-founder of the travel blog, Tales from the Trip, which is also on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. She can be reached at [email protected].)

Whitaker Bank Ballpark is a busy place prior to a Lexington Legends ballgame.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_ballpark.jpgWhitaker Bank Ballpark is a busy place prior to a Lexington Legends ballgame.

Mascot Big L provides entertainment for fans in between innings.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_bigl.jpgMascot Big L provides entertainment for fans in between innings.

The Lexington Legends are the defending South Atlantic League Champions.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_legends.jpgThe Lexington Legends are the defending South Atlantic League Champions.

Marlana VanHoose performs The National Anthem prior to the opening Legends game this season. She has performed for an NBA Finals game, as well as for University of Kentucky athletic events.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_marlene.jpgMarlana VanHoose performs The National Anthem prior to the opening Legends game this season. She has performed for an NBA Finals game, as well as for University of Kentucky athletic events.

In collaboration with artists and brothers Aaron and Jared Scales, patrons signed 6,200 miniature bats in commemoration of the organization’s 15th anniversary. Hanging collectively, they form the trademark mustache.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_mustache.jpgIn collaboration with artists and brothers Aaron and Jared Scales, patrons signed 6,200 miniature bats in commemoration of the organization’s 15th anniversary. Hanging collectively, they form the trademark mustache.

Marjorie Appelman