Dayton, Ohio – As part of its season-long Hometown Heroes Program, the Dayton Dragons will celebrate our local military community on Saturday, August 22, when the Dragons host the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. This special night will honor all servicemen and women of the military who defend our freedoms both locally and abroad. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
Throughout the 2026 season, the Dragons have partnered with the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds and Reynolds, HII Mission Technologies, Synergy Building Systems, and HNB to recognize and celebrate the local military community through the Hometown Heroes program. The program hosts military families at every Dragons game during the season, honors exceptional military organizations and individuals, and welcomes new members of the Armed Forces during special on-field ceremonies.
Festivities for American Celebration Night will begin before the game on the plaza at 6:00 pm where fans can check out various military related booths and military vehicles. Plaza displays will include representation from many branches of service and provide an opportunity for fans to learn from and interact with those who are currently in service. Groups on the plaza will include the USO, Air and Space Force Recruiting, Air Force Research Lab, Navy Medical Research Unit, 445th Airlift Wing, Air Force Marathon, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the 88th Security Forces Squadron and Military Working Dogs, the 788th Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Ordinance Disposal, the Dragons Green Team, and more!
Inside the ballpark, Lieutenant General Linda Hurry and Brigadier General Douglas P. Wickert will throw out ceremonial first pitches. The national anthem will be accompanied by a dove release and a flyover including two Black Hawk helicopters from the 1-137th Aviation Regiment of the Ohio Army National Guard. The colors will be presented by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard.
In-game activities will include an official recruit swear-in ceremony for the United States Armed Forces, a rifle demonstration by the Northmont High School NJROTC, the performance of God Bless America, an “Armed Services Song” inning-break, a video recap of the Hometown Heroes program, military-themed entertainment skits, and more!
American Celebration Night will be capped off with an incredible fireworks display, providing fans with a memorable finale as the Dragons celebrate and honor the local military community. The fireworks will begin approximately thirty minutes after the game.
The Hometown Heroes program is made possible by the generous support of the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds and Reynolds, HII Mission Technologies, Synergy Building Systems, and HNB. To learn more about the program, visit daytondragons.com/hometownheroes.