Burbank takes city out to the ball game

Ben Godar

More than 1,000 Burbank residents are expected to invade Chavez

Ravine on May 17 for the city’s annual Dodger Night.

The Dodgers will play the Florida Marlins during the 12th annual

event at Dodger Stadium. Members of the community will watch the game

together from a bank of seats on the blue reserved level.

A Burbank resident will sing the national anthem, although

organizers had not announced the vocalist. Organizers hope to find a

group of local scouts to serve as a color guard. Newly appointed

Mayor Stacey Murphy is expected to throw out the first pitch to Vice

Mayor Marsha Ramos.

Last year’s event drew about 1,200 residents, and organizers said

they represent the second-largest group the Dodgers host each year.

The largest event is a similar outing sponsored by the city of

Santa Clarita. The number of people and the presence of city leaders

make it a great way to connect with the community, said Kris Smith,

recreation supervisor of the city’s Park, Recreation and Community

Services Department.

That department cosponsors the event with the Burbank Sunrise

Kiwanis Club. Past president Chuck Herron said Kiwanis got involved

to help manage the financial end of Dodger Night.

The organization makes little money on the event, and Herron said

the proceeds are generally spent getting tickets for children from

groups like the Boys and Girls Club.

“If we make 50 cents a ticket, we use that just getting kids down

there,” he said. “We’re just trying to break even.”

Tickets for the event are $10, and orders must be received by

Friday. The city will contract several school buses to shuttle

residents from the Olive Recreation Center to the event. Round-trip

bus tickets are $7. For more information, call 238-5300.