Teachers and school staff looking for one last night out before the school year starts can get into BayCare Ballpark for free on Thursday, August 6.
The Clearwater Threshers announced on their social media accounts Thursday that educators who show a valid school ID at the gate will receive complimentary admission to Back to School Night, plus a limited-edition Threshers water bottle.
Teachers can also enter to win a classroom sponsorship from the Threshers, according to the team's Instagram post detailing the promotion. The classroom sponsorship drawing gives one educator a chance to bring Threshers support directly into their school.
The evening doubles as Lil Anglers Night. School-aged children 18 and under will receive a free water bottle of their own to take back to class when the year begins. Kelli's Catering & Events is presenting the promotion, and discounted advance tickets for fans who don't qualify for the free educator admission are available at milb.com/clearwater/tickets/promotions.
Here's what educators need to know about Back to School Night:
- When: Thursday, August 6. Gates open for the evening; first pitch against the Tampa Tarpons at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater
- Free admission: Show a valid school ID at the gate — no advance purchase or registration required
- Giveaway: Limited-edition Threshers water bottle for teachers and staff with school ID
- Kids: Free water bottle for school-aged children 18 and under (Lil Anglers Night)
- Classroom sponsorship: Educators can enter a drawing to win a Threshers classroom sponsorship for their school
- Tickets for non-educators: Discounted advance tickets at milb.com/clearwater/tickets/promotions
- Sponsor: Kelli's Catering & Events
Educators don't need to buy tickets in advance or sign up online. A valid school ID presented at the BayCare Ballpark gate on game night is all that's required for the free ticket and water bottle. The classroom sponsorship entry is available on-site as well.
Back to School Night falls five days before Pinellas County schools are scheduled to open for the 2026-2027 year on Tuesday, August 11. For teachers, it's a chance to grab a freebie and catch some baseball before the hallways fill up again.
The Threshers head into August on a roll. Clearwater won four straight games from Friday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 29, including back-to-back blowouts over Jupiter (15-4 and 16-8), before a 9-0 loss to the Hammerheads on Thursday, July 30. At 58-40 overall, the Phillies' Single-A affiliate already clinched the Florida State League West Division first-half title and remains in contention for a second-half playoff berth.
The Threshers' homestand continues with Veterans and Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 8, featuring a camo hat giveaway and jersey auction.
