SOUTH BEND – As pitchers and catchers report for the Chicago Cubs spring training in Arizona this week, the South Bend Cubs are preparing for another exciting season with the release of the 2016 promotional schedule. The schedule will include a mix of fan-favorite promotions along with new theme nights and giveaways as suggested from last season’s fan survey.

“The 2015 season was a huge success on many fronts,” said Chris Hagstrom-Jones, Director of Creative Services and Promotions. “Much of that success came from our philosophy of creating a family friendly environment that focused on quality over quantity. We’ll continue to build on that philosophy, while developing new theme nights and promotions based off of input from our fans last season.”

Popular promotions from 2015 returning this year include Bark at the Park (April 24), Pink in the Park (June 4 & June 5), Princess in the Park (July 10), Star Wars Night (July 23) and Fallen Heroes Day (August 28).

Also returning for 2016 are weekly promotions including $2 Tuesday presented by metroPCS, Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser and Pepsi, Fantastic Friday Fireworks presented by 1st Source Bank and Flat Screen Saturday presented by hhgregg. A total of 19 fireworks shows are planned for the upcoming season, the most in team history.

New to the 2016 weekly promotional schedule is Giveaway Wednesday. In addition to select Sunday games, all Wednesday night games will have a giveaway item for the first 1,000 fans. Giveaway items include a Replica South Bend Cubs Adult Jersey (April 13), Fleece Blanket (April 20 & 24), Pink in the Park Pink Hat (June 4, 5 & 8), Father’s Day Pint Glass (June 19), Replica South Bend Cubs Youth Jersey (July 10), South Bend Cubs Hat (July 20 & 24), South Bend Cubs T-Shirt (August 24 & 28) and a Team Calendar (September 3-5).

Also added to the giveaway schedule is a bobblehead of one of the top prospects in the Chicago Cubs farm system and former South Bend Cub, Gleyber Torres. Opening Day on April 7 will feature a South Bend Cubs Car Flag giveaway along with a Magnet Schedule giveaway (April 7 & 8).

Based off of fan input via social media and from the 2015 surveys, new promotions for 2016 include Jimmy Buffett Night with a pre-game performance by the band J T Buffett (June 18), Classic Car Day (August 7), Nickelodeon’s Rugrats Night (August 25), and Social Media Night (August 29). More details on these nights will be available in the coming weeks.

Appearances for 2016 include Hall of Famer and former Chicago Cubs pitcher Fergie Jenkins (April 19), Myron Noodleman (May 7), X-Pogo Stunt Team (June 8), Clark the Cub (June 28) and Bucket Ruckus (July 9). Additional appearances will be announced at a later date.

All promotions and giveaways are subject to change.

Opening Day is on Thursday, April 7.