The Vancouver Canadians are gearing up for an exciting 2024 minor league baseball season at Nat Bailey Stadium, with a lineup of special promotions and giveaways to mark the ballpark's 75th anniversary. Among the highlights is the return of the popular Dog Day, scheduled for Thursday, May 28, when the Eugene Emeralds visit as opponents.
Popular Theme Nights and Events
Dog Day has been a fan favorite in previous seasons, drawing hundreds of canines to the stadium. In 2023, the event attracted over 500 dogs on June 10 and more than 400 on July 22, with pooch attendance reaching nearly 600 in 2024. Other announced theme nights for the upcoming campaign include Star Wars Day on June 3, First Responders Appreciation Day on May 14, Women in Sport Day on July 2, Pride Night on July 30, and Country Night on August 1.
Season Schedule and Team Details
The Canadians, serving as the high-A farm club of the Toronto Blue Jays in the six-team Northwest League, will open the regular season on the road against the Tri-City Dust Devils on April 3. The home opener is set for April 7 versus the Eugene Emeralds, kicking off a six-game series. NatPacks are currently available, with single-game tickets going on sale Saturday.
Commemorative Celebrations and Giveaways
To honor the 75th anniversary of Nat Bailey Stadium, the team will wear commemorative jerseys every Tuesday, designed to reflect the ballpark's unique aesthetic. Additionally, the Canadians have scheduled 26 giveaways throughout the season, offering fans a .333 chance of taking home a memento during each homestand. Key giveaways include:
- Opening Night Magnet Schedule on April 7
- Nat Bailey Stadium Miniature Replica on April 28
- Five C's Pennants on Tuesdays showcasing different eras
- Bobbleheads on June 9 and August 25 (subjects to be announced)
- Kid-themed items like a Star Wars Light Sword, Chef Wasabi Poncho, and Mini C's Jersey
Special Uniforms and Guest Appearances
The team will debut special uniforms for Filipino Celebration Day on April 11 and South Asian Heritage Day on May 16. Notable guest appearances include former Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar on July 11 and former MLB pitcher James Paxton on August 29.
League Structure and Management
As a high-A affiliate, the Canadians play a 132-game season split into two halves, competing against teams like the Everett AquaSox, Hillsboro Hops, and Spokane Indians. The schedule features six-game series from Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays as travel days, a structure implemented post-COVID-19 to enhance player development. Manager Jose Mayorga returns for his second season, aiming to build on last year's 75-57 record.
