By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
No matter the size of the sports market, there’s always a niche for the minor leagues, where the sports product is affordable and there’s a sense of irreverence at the game.
It’s why I love the mountain of nachos piled into a Las Vegas Aviators baseball helmet at the ballpark in Summerlin. It takes the ballpark hot dog or shelled peanuts to a whole new level, no matter what the analytics say about baseball dining or the fancy buffet in the club/bar.
On Tuesday home nights, the Aviators go by the name, Reyes de Plata — or “Silver Kings.” It’s a terrific logo that offers another merchandise revenue stream.
So, those $16 worth of nachos – on Tuesdays — came nestled in that powder blue Reyes de Plata helmet.
And there was a precious moment when two kids were digging into their helmet of nachos while watching dancers who were on top of the Aviators/Reyes de Plata first base dugout with the two bat dogs lounging on the field.
Beautiful.
I’m told the ballpark was expecting about 5,000 fans at the 10,000-seat venue. But it was windy and the blustery weather might reduce the crowd inside the impressive ballpark to something closer to 3,000. The team later announced attendance at 5,607.
In case you’re keeping score, the Las Vegas squad defeated the El Paso Chihuahuas, 9-7, Tuesday evening.
And oh by the way, there was an Ovechkin jersey sighting at the ol’ ballpark. The Washington Capitals play the Golden Knights Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena.
PSA