UCI Pitches Anteater Baseball to Irvinites
Anteater Ballpark, pictured above during Tuesday’s game against UCLA, will host Irvine residents and business community with special discounted tickets for its inaugural Irvine Day. Photo credit @uciathletics/Derek Blalock
This coming Friday, May 20th, UCI will celebrate its first ever Irvine Day at Anteater Ballpark. The university is partnering with the city of Irvine to offer Irvinites discounted tickets for its evening game against Cal State Bakersfield. Those who live and work in Irvine are both eligible for reduced ticket prices for Friday’s game.
“If Irvine residents haven’t been to the ballpark, this is a great opportunity,” says UCI Athletics Chief Marketing Officer, Robby Ray. “You’ll have a hard time finding a better experience in Southern California for Division 1 baseball.”
In addition to the draw of its baseball team, which clobbered #23 UCLA in an eight to one victory this past Tuesday, Anteater Ballpark has a lot to offer.
“The setting is fantastic,” say Ray. “It over looks the nature preserve. At night you can see the city lights and the fireworks from Disneyland.”
The ballpark’s food is also an attraction. Spectators can enjoy a delectable meal from the “Zotchos” (a UCI-themed take on nachos), tri-tip, and other gourmet options alongside standard ballpark fare.
“Everything is cooked to order,” says Ray, whose favorite is the grilled cheese with tomato soup.
In addition to reserved chair-back seating, the ballpark features the Ant Hill: a gentle hillside where participants can bring blankets and low backed chairs for seating.
“Kids are rolling on the hill during the game,” says Ray, “playing baseball and running around. It’s fun for the whole family.”
Another draw for Friday’s Irvine Day game will be Mayor Farrah Khan, who will throw out the first pitch. The game’s broadcast, available on ESPN+ as well as KUCI, will also feature commentary from Mayor Khan.
“Sports, community and education are all pillars of our great City,” says Mayor Khan. “Partnering with UCI to share an evening to promote these great values and enjoy pre-pandemic activities is exactly what Irvine needs. We hope the Irvine community can come out to this family-friendly, fun-filled event and support this great City and our Anteaters!”
For Ray, who first envisioned the Irvine Day concept in 2019, this is just the first step. He hopes to make Irvine Day an annual event at Anteater Ball Park.
“Ultimately, we want to continue to be Irvine’s home team,” explains Ray. “Programming like this allows us to connect with the community in a meaningful way.”
The game begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 20, at Anteater Ballpark’s Cicerone Field.
Discounted tickets for both general-admission grass seating and home-plate reserved seating are available online.
Event parking is located in the Mesa Parking Structure (click here to purchase a permit. Event Code = SPORTS@UCI. Vehicle license plate required.)
For UCI’s clear-bag spectator policies and general information, visit ucirvinesports.com.