From the Nest #006
Published May 6th, 2025
The countdown to the Sea of Gold Home Opener is on, and the growing energy around the stadium is electric.
We’ve got a jam-packed summer ahead, and to make sure you don’t miss a thing, these newsletters will now be flying into your inbox bi-weekly. Let’s kick things off with some exciting updates from around the nest!
Interested in receiving these emails? Subscribe to the Gulls Fan Mail to receive the From the Nest Newsletter as well as important ticketing and game-day information!
It’s hard to believe, but the start of the 2025 season is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you back to Gulls Field!
First off, a big shoutout to the busy hands that keep the stadium humming- we are so excited to welcome many new staff members to the team this summer and equally thrilled to see so many familiar faces returning. The same goes for the Gulls coaching staff and players! (but you’ll read more about them below)
We impatiently patiently waited for the snow to melt so we could get cracking on a few stadium upgrades. The Bonefish Marine BBQ and the Cilantro and Chive Caesar Shack have both gone through some changes- not just to the structure, but the menu too! (more on that in the next issue..) The very-popular Provincial Vodka Patio had it’s deck extended and the suite elevator got a tune up, and after one too many gusty days, the Gulls Give Foundation tent has been replaced with a proper structure for the hardworking 50/50 volunteers.
Through the off-season we have been busy in the community and have many more events lined up! We are so grateful to all our partners and supporters through Central Alberta for sending us invites (we get serious FOMO). Below you’ll read about our upcoming non-game events as well as the special theme nights we have loaded on the schedule. We also want to thank all the charities and community groups that have reached out to us for fundraising support for their silent auctions, raffles, etc. We were proud to give back to these hard-working organizers by donating tickets to the Gulls Summer Send-Off concert happening August 23rd here at Gulls Field. Maybe you were the lucky bidder at one of these local events! If so, we all are looking forward to seeing you at the concert and encourage everyone to get in on the action and grab your tickets soon!
We all have enjoyed putting together these From the Nest articles through the winter and cannot wait to get even more exciting content to you once the summer begins! Thank you for being part of the Gulls Flock- we truly have the best fans in the league!
See you at the ballpark,
-The Gulls Leadership Team
On May 3rd, the Sylvan Lake Gulls and the Sylvan Lake Wranglers faced off in a friendly fundraising competition at Tim Hortons to kick off the annual Smile Cookie campaign.
Reese Witty, Sharon and Dave Elwood and Rob Manca were there to represent the Gulls, helping raise nearly $600 in just two hours- all in support of Advanced Ambulatory Care Service. Thanks to everyone who came out to support both teams in their friendly competition and the Time Hortons Smile Cookie campaign!
New & Returning Faces
Coach Jason Chatwood, alongside assistant coaches Wyatt McKnight and Matt Hape, have once again worked tirelessly to put together a strong, dynamic roster for the 2025 season. With a great mix of returning favourites and exciting new talent, this year’s squad is shaping up to be yet another record-breaking summer! See the players and their deets through the link to our website below >
New players, new staff, new Food & Beverage options, we even have a new Bag Check policy-
GULLS FIELD BAG CHECK POLICY
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, bags brought into Gulls Field may be subject to search upon entry. Fans are encouraged to travel light and leave unnecessary items at home.
Permitted bags include small purses, clutches, diaper bags, and clear bags. Oversized bags, backpacks, and coolers are not permitted unless required for medical or childcare needs.
By entering the stadium, guests consent to a reasonable search of their belongings. Any prohibited items discovered during the inspection must be returned to your vehicle or discarded at the gate.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep Gulls Field a safe and welcoming environment for everyone!
Theme Nights (Pt I)
We’ve got a strong start to the 2025 season with some of our most-loved theme nights and a few new twists too! Here’s what’s coming up in May and June:
Thursday, May 29: Sea of Gold Home Opener | Sponsored by EQUS
An annual ritual- show your Gulls pride by wearing yellow or anything golden to help us light up the stands. Staff will be ready at both entrances with gold face paint to help you shine. And don’t miss the triumphant return of the Red Deer & District Pipe Band to kick off the season!
Wednesday, June 11: Minor Ball Night | Sponsored by Slash Sports
A game to celebrate our community’s up-and-coming athletes! Baseball and softball players of all ages are encouraged to come to the game in their team jerseys. We also encourage the older fans to wear their favourite jerseys as well! We also have returning talented face painters from BananaGum Art setting up on the concourse to give the kids a special look for the game.
Friday, June 13: Fright Night
It’s Friday the 13th… so of course we’re throwing a costume party! Whether you have a scary costume or just something that you feel like you NEVER get to wear, here’s your chance to flaunt it at the ballpark!
Wednesday, June 25: Fill the Wagon
Every season, Gulls fans generously support the Sylvan Lake Food Bank by bringing non-perishable food items to the game. The Gully Wagon will be parked on the Gate A ramp where you can drop off your donations before heading into the park. The next morning before practice, the Gulls team will drive the Gully Wagon out to the food bank for the special delivery.
Sunday, June 29: Sully’s 5th Birthday | Sponsored by Sylvan Lake Bouncy Castles
A fan favourite no doubt! Sully’s mascot friends will be back to Gulls Field to help their feathered buddy celebrate his big day. Also adding to the fun is Sylvan Lake Bouncy Castles that will have a couple impressive setups inflated behind the Sobeys KidsZone. (Don’t forget, first pitch is at 2:05PM!)
Part II of the Gulls theme nights and special events will be coming to your inbox on May 20th!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
If you’ve ever bought a 50/50 ticket at a Gulls game, you’ve already met the heart of the Gulls Give Foundation. This dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly at every home game to raise funds and awareness for mental health initiatives right here in Central Alberta.
Founded as the charitable wing of the Sylvan Lake Gulls, the Gulls Give Foundation focuses on supporting programs and services that promote mental wellness, provide access to care, and help reduce stigma in our communities. To everyone who gives their time, energy, or voice to this cause, thank you. You’re making a real difference 💚
And in honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Foundation has partnered up with the Gulls Summer Send-Off organizers and launched a special social media contest! Check it out below:
If you’re a baseball fan in Alberta, you’ve probably come across Alberta Dugout Stories- a grassroots media outlet dedicated to covering all things baseball across the province. We were honoured to be featured in a recent article written by Ian Wilson- covering returning talent, new faces, and what fans can expect this summer at Gulls Field.
| “No team was hotter than the Sylvan Lake Gulls heading into the postseason. The Lake Boys rattled off 10 straight wins and finished the 2024 regular season with a Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) record 44 victories as they entered the playoffs. Sylvan Lake disposed of the Brooks Bombers in the opening round best-of-three series with two straight wins, yielding just one run in those contests. From there, the Gulls defeated their biggest rivals – the Okotoks Dawgs – in the first game of the West Division championship series and appeared to be in cruise control on their way to the WCBL final. But then the Dawgs did what they do. They held on for a 3-2 win in the second game and, after falling behind early in Game 3, Okotoks punched back with a 10-4 triumph at Gulls Stadium…” |
Summer Camp Registration
2025 bring us into our fourth year of summer baseball camps. While we have seen a few changes over the years, the core values of the camps remain!
Skills, sportsmanship, team effort and fun! Led by Coach Chatwood and his amazing team, young athletes are exposed to a variety of skills training and different field scenarios. These two and three day camps have sold out every year. With over 300 participants in the last three years, our summer camps are a popular draw. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to get your paid registration in early to guarantee your spot!
Gulls Prep Update
Gulls Prep by ARRA welcomed the Edmonton Collegiate Hawks and the Calgary Premier Blues for opening weekend at Gulls Field. Winning four in a row in front of our home crowd made for a great weekend!
Next up, May 8-11 is the Mothers Day Tournament hosted in Okotoks.
| Did you know? Fans can catch the games live on the Game Changer app. Download the app and search “Gulls 19U Prep 2025″ to follow along! |
Haven’t you seen our new bus benches? Posters promoting the Summer Send-Off have been dropped off all around Central Alberta and we’ve partnered with so many amazing local organizations to help spread the word. With a seriously talented lineup of country artists hitting the stage, we’re calling on all the country fans to come party with us at Gulls Field on August 23rd!
Haven’t bought your tickets yet? Ain’t no thang, just click the link below!
Stay up to date on concert news, performers, tickets, and more when you signup for the Gulls Summer Send-Off Insider newsletter.
