Deadline nears in Skyhawks' mascot name contest

SUSSEX - The deadline for entries in the Sussex Skyhawks’ “Name Our Mascot” contest is May 15. The contest, announced May 1 by Ben Wittkowski, general manager of the area’s new professional baseball team, is open to all fans age 14 and younger. Submissions will be judged by a panel of Skyhawks executives based on creativity and overall style. All fans who enter will receive one ticket to a future Skyhawks game, and the fan who submits the winning name will receive a T-shirt and recognition on the team’s Web site. “The mascot is an integral part of any minor league team,” said Wittkowski. “We plan on using the new mascot in many different programs throughout our community. We are excited to allow our new fan base the opportunity to name the mascot, just as they named the team earlier this year.” Entry forms for this contest have been distributed throughout Sussex County schools. Fans can also participate by logging on to sussexskyhawks.com. The new organization has instituted changes designed to make Skylands Park a family-friendly environment, starting with a cut in ticket prices. Individual game tickets are now $10 for box seats, $8 for reserved seats and $6 for general admission bleachers. Parking fees will now be $3 per automobile. The Skyhawks also promise to provide a new, updated concessions menu with lowered food and beverage prices. As part of the independent Can-Am league, the Skyhawks will host 46 games against the Brockton Rox, Nashua Pride, New Haven Cutters, New Jersey Jackals, North Shore Spirit, Les Capitales de Quebec, and the Worcester Tornadoes. Standard game times are 7:05 p.m. Monday through Friday; 5:05 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:05 p.m. Sundays.