Carnival Cruise Lines – Texas’ largest cruise operator – today announced a grand slam partnership with the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers that plays at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. This multi-year partnership marks Carnival’s first-ever relationship with a professional baseball franchise.
As the Official Cruise Line of the Frisco RoughRiders, Carnival will bring its signature brand of fun to fans of the popular Dallas-area team throughout the 2014 season.
Carnival will help fans celebrate the most exciting part of the game – home runs – with two specially designed promotions that kick off with the RoughRiders’ season opener on April 3.
Every time a RoughRiders player hits a home run, fans will hear the iconic sound of the Carnival ship horn, fireworks will launch from the outfield and celebratory graphics will illuminate the LED signs around the stadium.
Carnival will also match monetary donations made by fans during the age-old Texas League tradition of “Passing the Boot” for the RoughRiders Foundation, team and individual players after each RoughRiders’ home run.
Also new this year is the “Carnival Crush Inning” during which fans will be randomly selected to win a free Carnival cruise for two if a RoughRiders player hits a home run during that inning. Fans can sign up for the promotion at the stadium or online before the game at RidersBaseball.com.
Fans will also be able to enjoy the Carnival Getaway Grill featuring unlimited ballpark favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, bratwursts, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and Dr Pepper products for one all-inclusive price.
Additionally, Carnival will serve as host to this season’s “Kids’ Day,” during which children from underprivileged families within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex will enjoy a RoughRiders’ game along with fun activities and interaction with players, photo opportunities, autographs and more.
Carnival’s recognizable red, white and blue logo will be positioned throughout the 10,000-seat stadium, which includes one of the world’s largest outfield LED signs.
“Carnival is excited to partner with the RoughRiders to help bring even more fun to their fans at the ballpark,” said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Lines. “Our brands align extremely well as we are both known for creating fun and memorable moments by delivering a great experience at an incredible value.”
“We are excited to announce our new partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines,” said RoughRiders’ President Scott Sonju. “They are going to be an excellent partner in helping us bring to life the fun nine-inning entertainment experience for our fans.”
Carnival pioneered year-round cruising from Galveston, Texas. The line currently operates two Galveston-based ships, Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph, carrying more than 450,000 passengers annually – more than any other cruise operator.
Opening Day 2014 for the RoughRiders is Thursday, April 3, when Frisco hosts the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at 7:05 p.m. (Central time) as part of a six-game season-opening home stand.
