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Dear MARA Members, Volunteers, Employees, and Sponsors,
First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support as we prepare for opening day. Our field maintenance crew, staff, and key members of our board have been hard at work, rolling up their sleeves to ensure that our park is ready for the upcoming season. I would be remiss not to mention the completion of our winter sports. Whether it is our winter basketball league, girls flag football or our winter 7v7 football, we have been quite busy this winter. Our student athletes have done an amazing job representing MARA. Special recognition to our girls basketball teams participating in the All-star tournament against Union County teams.
In the coming weeks, you will notice significant progress as we install light poles, lights, and address other important aspects of our facilities. Additionally, I would like to draw your attention to some exciting changes happening on the diamond fields, particularly with regards to our growing girls softball program.
After thorough research and consideration, we made the decision to transition from clay mounds to portable mounds. This strategic move is in response to the rising enrollment in our girls softball program and presents numerous opportunities for growth and development with MARA. While this decision was not taken lightly, we believe it is a necessary step forward in our efforts to expand and accommodate the needs of our community.
It is important to note that while part of our tradition may have included clay mounds, the true essence of MARA lies in our exceptional full time staff, volunteer coaches, sponsors, and dedicated team parents.
Warm regards,
Hazel Williams
MARA Board President
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The repairs to Field 1 are underway and are expected to be completed soon. The January storm caused significant damage resulting in the need to replace many of the poles that were irreparably creased. The necessary fencing had to be special ordered and is now being installed. You may have already noticed that the upright poles were put in place last Friday, and weather permitting, the fencing will be fully installed next week.
Once the backstop is repaired, the field will be open for daytime use. Additionally, our new lighting poles have arrived and are currently located in the lower parking lot. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new lights from the manufacturer so that we can begin scheduling their installation. Despite these challenges, we have contingency plans in place to ensure that game schedules proceed as normally as possible.
We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to all our coaches, families, and players for your patience, willingness to assist, and words of encouragement as we navigate through the renovations. Your support is truly appreciated, and it's heartening to see such a caring community at the park.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
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February has been a busy month for the park as we prepare for Opening Day! | |
The drainage ditch from PF1 to Field 10 was re-pitched to allow for an even flow of water down the hill. The area behind Field 10 was also fixed to allow water to naturally channel away from the field to the creek behind the park. | |
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Field 9 received a few renovations in order to accommodate our older players. The backstop was previously only 7 feet from home plate but is now 12+ feet allowing older players to use the field. The fence along third base was straightened which now provides a more even walkway
to the field.
As a part of Troop 39 Eagle Scout Project, Henry Wetmore
led a group of Boy Scouts as they created bleacher pads for two bleachers behind third base.
Thank you Henry for your leadership and for this park addition.
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Softball dad Mike Lane replaced the well house at the main concession stand. With the secured structure and removable roof, future well repairs will be easier and more efficient.
Thank you Mike for your heroic efforts.
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New concrete bleacher pads for Fields 8 and 10 provide a much safer base for the bleachers and will help funnel water away from the fields. | |
Field 1 bullpen was overdue for a much needed overhaul. With a dirt floor and constantly full of pine needles, it now has a new turf floor and a dual lane bullpen. | |
No more single file into the park!!! | |
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CPR/AED Training and Certification is free for all MARA coaches and commissioners.
If you are not a volunteer but would like to participate and receive your CPR/AED certification, you are welcome to sign up.
As part of MARA's safe play initiative, we ask that one coach from each team is CPR/AED certified.
The following classes will be held prior to Opening Day:
-Friday, March 8, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
-Monday, March 11, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
If you have questions, email info@marasports.net.
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We are ALMOST in Spring Season and back to our regular concession schedule. | |
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Concessions Hours (before Opening Day):
Saturday, February 24, March 2, & March 9, 8:30am - 5:30pm
Weeknights between March 11 - March 15, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Regular Concessions Hours (after Opening Day):
Monday -Thursday, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday & Sunday, TBD
-Reloadable concession gift cards are available for purchase at both stands.
-Menu prices are changing slightly but we will continue to offer affordable prices so dinner at the park can still be an option.
-If you are thirsty and concessions are closed, there is a fully stocked Coke machine and water fountain in the concession breezeway.
*Concession hours are subject to change based on field usage and weather conditions.
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Follow MARA Concession on Instagram at mara_concession. | |
If you are new to MARA or have a player moving to a new division, keep our complex map handy! If you have questions about a field location, check with concessions or email MARA at info@marasports.net. | |
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Bambino Buddy-Ball Opening Day
Sunday, March 10
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Field 8
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With a full roster of both players and volunteers, everyone is invited to stop by and support our players!
Ice cream will be provided by The Local Scoop!
| Land O' Frost is a proud sponsor of our Bambino Buddy-Ball and Basketball programs. | |
Baseball Registration is Open for Little League Juniors & Seniors! | |
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Season dates: May 1 - June 30
Registration closes on Saturday, March 30
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With everyone's support, all the funds raised will replace the batting cages located near Fields 1, 5, 8, and 13. Our cages are well-loved and need improvements and the brand-new cages will feature a turf floor and upgraded netting, mirroring the new batting cage on Field 4.
The Hit-A-Thon is much like a fun run at school. Each player will receive 15 pitches and friends and families can pledge a certain amount for each pitch that is hit, or donate a flat amount. 100% of the proceeds will benefit baseball and all donations are tax deductible.
The team in each division that raises the most money will win a pizza party! The team that raises the most money overall will receive tickets to the upcoming Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides baseball game on Sunday, April 7 at 1:05pm!
Using the links below, you will see a 'Search for Participant' box where you can find your player. Each age division has its own page set up with player names loaded.
AA
AAA
Minors
Majors
Good luck to all the players and teams!
If you have questions, comments or concern, please email Bill Eichron.
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MARA Under the Lights Tournaments are filling up quickly so register your team today. | |
MARA Cheer is expanding!
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We are very excited to now offer cheer programs
year-round to a variety of ages and skill levels.
We just ended a successful pilot season of basketball cheer and registration for our 2024 Football Cheer is now open! The season will start the week of March 10 and will run through May. Practices will be held once per week with one Saturday game.
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*Please note: Registration for Spring Cheer will remain open through March 31st.
Anyone who registers after March will be placed on a waitlist. Late fees assessed
on registrations after Feb 25th.
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MARA Cheer Contacts:
Nicki Johnson (pictured above far left), Cheer Commissioner
Nicki joined MARA Cheer in 2022 and has a background in youth sport and competitive cheer. Nicki is our primary contact and overseer of our Winter Cheer Program and the older divisions within our Fall Cheer Program.
Jessica Ross, Cheer Co-Commissioner
Jessica joins MARA Cheer with a background in youth dance and cheer. Jessica is our primary contact for the Spring Cheer Program and the younger divisions within our Fall Cheer Program.
Please welcome Jessica to MARA!
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Make sure to follow MARA Cheer on social media. | |
Congratulations to our 10U 7v7 team!
MARA's 7v7 teams participated in a tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC recently which resulted in our 10U team ranking #10 in the nation!
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Girls Flag Football Championship
Sunday, March 3
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Everyone is welcome to come cheer on our MARA Girls Flag Football teams as they play for the championship!
The games will take place on the main football field at MARA Sunday, March 3, beginning at 5pm.
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Tackle football registration opens on 4/6
Registration links will be available on the website as we get closer to April. Make sure to mark your calendars as the player slots will
fill up quickly.
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Brian Hales Championship Camp will take place June 20, 21, & 22.
More details to come on pricing and registration.
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Spring Softball is almost here! | |
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Over the past few weeks recreation and challenge assessments were completed and teams were formed. We are excited to welcome new and returning players to spring softball at MARA!
While teams are practicing and some are already scrimmaging, games officially start on Saturday, March 16.
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This spring MARA Softball is sponsoring a Hit-A-Thon to benefit the softball infrastructure at the park. Last summer the FLEX Softball Teams raised enough money for the new turf floor batting cage on field four. This was the first major enhancement to softball’s infrastructure in many years.
100% of the proceeds will benefit softball and all donations are tax deductible.
The player who raises the most will have the new batting cage on
Field 10 named after them.
This Hit-A-Thon is much like a fun run at school. Each player will receive 15 pitches, T-Ball players will swing 15 times off the T. Friends and families can pledge a certain amount for each pitch that is hit or they can donate a flat amount.
To locate your player's page, click on their division below. You can then search for your player by typing their name in the "Search for Participant' box. Make sure to share your player's page with friends and family and share on social media.
6U
8U
10U
13U
18U
Good luck to all of our players and teams.
For all questions, comments, or concerns, email Justin Vandergrift.
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Track is BACK & Registration is OPEN! | |
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2024 Spring Track registration closes on Monday, 3/4
Season dates: March 5 - May 31
Practice location: Charlotte Christian Track
First practice: Tuesday, March 5
Practice times: 6:30pm - 7:45pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays
There will be a total of three (3) meets for the spring season with the first meet on Saturday, April 20.
If you are interested in joining the spring track team, register below.
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Academy Sports + Outdoors Exclusive Savings Event!
Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 3
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2024 Opening Day Festivities
Saturday, March 16
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Keep an eye on your email!
More fun details to come about our Opening Day Festivities!
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MARA Spirit Night with Mac's Speed Shop | |
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Thursday, March 21
142 E. John St., Matthews
Dine in or take out
Click here to view the menu
*Thursday nights are 1/2 price wine night!
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MARA & Charlotte Knights
Spirit Day
Sunday, April 7
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Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides
Sunday, April 7, 1:05pm
Section 103
Truist Field
$24 per ticket
Mark your calendar and purchase your tickets, you are invited to join us for an afternoon of baseball! With a great view of the game, make sure to bring your glove and wear your MARA gear! You aren't going to want to miss the game!
*Please remember that each ticket purchased with the link below, the Knights support MARA by giving back a small portion of each ticket!
*Deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, April 1, 2024.
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Please welcome Mayah McNelly to the MARA Sponsorship Team! | |
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Mayah is currently a Junior at Queens University of Charlotte, majoring in International Studies and double minoring in Spanish and Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution. She serves as the treasurer of the Queens' Political Science Honors Society and as the Information Literacy Student Ambassador. She has a passion for non-profit work and is excited to be joining MARA to take on the role of Grant Writer.
In her free time, Mayah loves to spend time outside with her friends and her dog, Moose!
You can reach Mayah by email at mayah@marasports.net.
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Interested in MARA Sponsorships? | |
Do you have a local business in the and would like to advertise with MARA? Interested in sponsoring your player's team or would you like to see your business' logo on our sponsorship banners located across the park?
MARA offers lots of opportunities to not only support your player but to promote your business.
To learn more about partnering with MARA, please contact
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Located in the heart of historic downtown Matthews, AAA Collectibles is a family-owned sports card and memorabilia retail store.
Since their inception in 1992, AAA Collectibles has strived to make service and price our No. 1 priority for the new or seasoned collector. An authorized dealer of Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck, AAA Collectibles carries vintage, singles, new “wax” boxes, and cases. Store inventory includes over 50 unique products, including baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and golf cards.
Whether you’re seeking a single card to complete a set, adding to a collection of your favorite player, breaking a brand new box of cards, looking to sell a collection or need supplies to organize your cards and memorabilia, AAA Collectibles is the one-stop-shop for all of your card needs!
AAA Collectibles
100 W. John St.
Matthews, NC 28105
www.aaacollectibles.com
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Carolina Fire Technologies is a local, family owned and operated business that specializes in all aspects of life-safety. CFT provides complete coverage of life safety services from extinguishers to video surveillance with certified technicians to ensure full-coverage 24/7.
info@carolinafiretech.com | (704) 443-8528
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A procedure saved this North Carolina woman's life while up against an urgent - and what some might consider impossible - deadline.
Read the inspiring story.
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The Local Scoop is HIRING!
The Local Scoop is looking for outgoing and energetic individuals to join their team for the following positions:
Ice Cream Maker, Delivery Driver, Event Worker,* & Team Worker*
Full-time and part-time positions available
*Must be available to work nights and weekends
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