Every summer memories are made at RedHawks games. Kids cheer on the RedHawks with their parents, best friends have a beer and hot dog together. Young and old gather together at Newman Outdoor Field for a mutual love of the game. The RedHawks are truly Fargo-Moorhead’s team. However, not many people know what it takes to make the games run smoothly. Take a look behind the scenes to see what makes Fargo’s summer pastime run smoothly.
1. THE LOCKER ROOM
In order to be the best, the FM RedHawks need to get ready in the best. That’s why in their locker rooms they have a laundry room, showers, lockers, a training room and equipment storage. Plus, that’s where the lounge is as well. Hey, baseball players need to relax too.
There are 22 players on the roster for the RedHawks.
There are 30 lockers in the locker room.
2. THE CONCESSIONS
Baseball and concessions are as old as… well, baseball. Shoving your face with hot dogs, pop and cotton candy is as much of a tradition as the seventh inning stretch. During RedHawks games there are two main concession stands and 15 satellite stands including Hi Ho burgers, Taco Shop, Cotton Candy, CAPs Stand and Dippin’ Dots. There’s something for everyone.
Number of hot dogs sold on an average game night, 1,500
Number of people who work the concession stands, 18
3. The Beer Garden
We all know baseball can be a bit boring at times. Well that’s what the beer garden is for. With over 11 different beers on tap you’re sure to find something to quench your thirst. Plus the RedHawks have installed a new dispensing system for their beer called a Bottoms Up Tap, which can fill four beers at a time from the bottom up.
24,000 Ounces of beer sold on an average game night
Number of beers sold on an average game night, 1,000
4. The Press Box
Twelve people man the media booth for the RedHawks. These guys and gals are responsible for making everything run smoothly. This year the RedHawks installed a new $400,000 Daktronics 15mm LED video screen scoreboard that adds a whole new element to RedHawks games. Games are also simulcast on their website, www.fmredhawks.com. The media booth follows a minute-by-minute script leading up to the first pitch and a script every half inning. Everyone must work carefully with each other to create a fun, flawless experience.
How far the RedHawks games reach through 740 AM The Fan. The games also reach two Canadian providences, 7 states.
Cost of the new video screen scoreboard. $400,000.
5. THE STADIUM
RedHawks games are a tradition in Fargo-Moorhead. Tickets are only $9 if they’re bought in advance so anybody can go to the games. Newman Outdoor Stadium also plays host to events such as Blues Fest and the 81 on 81 relay race. Making RedHawks games run smoothly is not an easy feat. There are 10 full time staff and 10 interns. In addition, there are over 200 seasonal employees that work during the summer months.
Year Newman Outdoor Stadium was built, 1996.
Number of home games played each year in Fargo, 50.
6. The Upkeep
Eight individuals are employed by the RedHawks who work to make the field playable. These groundskeepers make sure the field is up to the quality that fans and players expect.
How long before a game the groundskeepers start prepping for that evenings game, 10 hours.