Salt Lake Bees offer affordable fun in tough economy

Try it; you'll like it.

That's the message Salt Lake Bees general manager Marc Amicone has for would-be visitors to Spring Mobile Ballpark.

"I believe if you come, you're going to have a good time and you'll come back," he says. "If you don't, then we'll figure out a way to fix it."

It's an approach that has paid dividends throughout Minor League Baseball. Despite tough economic times, attendance is on the rise and has been for five consecutive years. A sixth is likely on the way.

The secret to their success?

"It's really affordable," Amicone said. "And it offers something for everybody."

From families to corporate gatherings to buddies and couples, teams like the Bees are determined to offer a fun and wholesome atmosphere for everyone.

Salt Lake fans can experience everything from sitting on the grass in the outfield berms to being waited on in a suite. The stadium has a train to ride, a playground and picnic areas. There's plenty of room for kids to run around or toss a baseball.

"I really enjoy walking around the berm and seeing the families out there," said Amicone, who considers it part of the ambience at the ballpark.

The pace of the game, he added, lends itself to conversation and atmosphere.

"It's nice to be outside in the sunshine in a beautiful place like we have."

Then there's the economics of it all.

The Bees offer several standard promotions to keep things affordable.

Mondays are "Family Nights," where tickets are just $3 per person. Kids eat free on Tuesdays; hot dogs are $1 on Wednesdays, and drinks are $2.50 on "Thirsty Thursdays."

And there's more.

Salt Lake's promotional calendar also includes fireworks shows, a diamond dig, '70s concessions prices, free money and draws like the Famous Chicken. Breast Cancer Awareness and military tributes are also on the schedule. So, too, is Elvis Night, Beatles Night and even "Dog Day Afternoon." The latter drew approximately 300 dogs, who were admitted free with ticket-holding owners.

"Nothing is unique, probably, but you add twists to it," said Amicone, who noted that baseball games have short intermissions throughout. "We're not afraid to be zany. We're not afraid to be commercial. That's who we are."