Part 3: Looking Toward 2009

Randy Whitaker picture with the 2008 Klubhouse Kids, Dominick Haley and Becca Zemaitis


1.) What was the thought process behind changing the start times of games for the 2009 season?
The fans made that call by their actions this year. When we still had lines at the box office well after the game had already started, they were telling us that the games were starting too early. When kids had to leave weekday day games half way through the game during the school day games to catch a bus home, we were starting the games too late. This is a religious region. One o’clock starts are too early to go to church and the game.

2.) What effect, if any, do you think ending the season a week later will have on September call-ups?
I think the major league season starts late as well, so there will be as many games for call-ups after the season next year as other seasons.

3.) Are there any plans for 2009 of returning to season ticket holders having their own gate and getting in 10-15 minutes early?
Without a clear idea of what the facility will look like next year, I have no idea what the gate situation will be. And season ticket holders were allowed to come in 10-15 minutes early all this season. I see no reason not to continue that practice next season.

4.) There were some rumors at the end of the season that SportsService might not return in 2009. Is there any truth to those rumors?
We have a long term relationship with SportService. No changes there.

5.) Are there plans for ‘The Spot’ to continue selling food at games in 2009?
The Spot is on a year-to-year basis – but I’d love to have Billy and company back. But that is a business decision, not a personal one.

6.) Does the Harrisburg Senators have any events tentatively scheduled for the fans this winter? We definitely want to keep people thinking of the Senators during the off season. We haven’t set any dates yet, but we are already talking some form of revamped Fan Fest. I encourage everyone to keep checking their email and the website in the coming months.

7.) Is there anything else you would like to say regarding the 08 season that I didn’t cover?
For the fans that were nice enough to give me a chance before they passed judgment: thank you!