COMMUNITY
Home Run for the Fans
How the Welland Jackfish baseball team are bringing the community together.
By Alexis Nicols
Welland Jackfish fans fill the stands for an incredible day of community, entertainment and baseball. | PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY OF WELLAND JACKFISH; MICHAEL FLIPPO/ADOBE STOCK
BASEBALL IS MORE than just a game in Welland — it’s a community celebration. Since its founding in 2018, the Welland Jackfish have built a passionate following by embracing a “fans first” mentality. They’ve managed to turn each game into an unforgettable experience, dating back to their home opener on May 18, 2019, when they defeated the London Majors 9 –1 in front of more than 1,000 fans.
Whether it’s the high-energy atmosphere, creative promotions or the team’s dedication to local fans, it’s no surprise that the Jackfish have become a staple of summer entertainment. “The fans are the driving force for everything we do,” says Ryan Harrison, president and director of fun for the Welland Jackfish Baseball Club. “It’s about more than what happens on the field. It’s about the experience in the stands.”
This summer, CAA Niagara Members have even more reason to head to Pack the Park, a can’t-miss event where fans rally together to fill Welland Stadium. As a CAA Member, you can take advantage of exclusive ticket savings of $2 per ticket when purchased at a CAA Niagara branch and get in on the action. Plus, CAA Niagara is offering Members the chance to win a VIP suite experience for the game — an opportunity to enjoy the best seats in the house with family and friends. “We first started Pack the Park because we never had sold-out games before,” says Harrison. “Our games used to be called ‘hidden gems’ and, well, we don’t want to be hidden anymore. We found an opportunity to hit capacity with CAA; they’re an amazing community partner of ours.” From thrilling innings to lively in-game entertainment, a Jackfish game is more than just baseball — it’s a community tradition. And whether you’re a long-time fan or experiencing the excitement for the first time, they’re making sure there’s no better way to spend a summer evening than at the ballpark. CAA