Plans for Chatham Night at Newark Bears' Stadium Discussed

If everything goes according to plan, Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark will be taken over by Chatham residents on June 26, when the Newark Bears play the New York Revolutions.

Newark Bears Media Relations and Broadcast Manager David Greenwald, who spoke at a Borough Council meeting last Monday, said the team has reached out to different municipalities in an effort to honor them at the team's games this year.

"Chatham Night" would be June 26. The club would offer $5 discount tickets to fans who purchase their tickets as part of a community group such as a church, civic association or school district.

Officials from such groups can purchase tickets en masse and then sell them to people for $5 each. Since normal Newark Bears tickets cost $10, the groups would then be allowed to pocket the remaining $5 for their coffers.

Groups from both the borough and the township would be encouraged to participate. Borough Mayor Nelson Vaughan and township mayor Nicole Hagner would each throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the game begins at 7:05 p.m., and fire departments and EMS squads from Chatham would be honored as well.

"It generates great social and civic opportunities for these communities," Greenwald said.

Borough council members were excited about the prospect of such an event.

"Those games and that arena are so much better than going to a pro stadium," Councilman James Lonergan said.

People will also have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets if they do not buy them from a civic association of sorts. Those who decide to attend the game with a group of between 20 and 199 people will be able to buy $7 tickets, and people who purchase as part of a group 200 people or larger can buy their tickets for $6.

The borough farmers' market's begins on the 26th, so council members noted people could potentially ride directly from the market to the game. Greenwald also said that New Jersey Transit could provide a discount to Chatham residents who ride the train to the event—the Bears' stadium is about 0.2 miles from Newark Broad Street Station.

Greenwald said the Bears also hope to help promote Chatham businesses during the event. Business can prominently feature their wares inside the stadium for $500, a step down from the normal $1,000 the team charges for premium show space. They are not allowed to sell anything, but Greenwald said the idea is help the businesses get their names out to the general public.

"The exposure is tremendous," he said.

He also said Chatham residents could participate in between-inning events such as pasta-eating contests.

Borough officials said they will likely sell tickets for the venture through the Recreation Department.

The stadium has 6,200 seats, a 500 person-capacity picnic area and other open seating zones.