FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING>>>

You might not know this (because you might be a Communist), but the Tacoma Rainiers will open the 2013 season at Cheney Stadium Friday, April 12 with a night game against the Salt Lake Bees. I had a chance to chat via e-mail this week with Byron Pullen, Tacoma Rainiers events coordinator, on the upcoming changes for Cheney Stadium.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: What is your vision as the new special events coordinator?

BYRON PULLEN: I am afforded the opportunity to make Cheney Stadium a year-round venue, meaning I'm tasked with attracting and creating events outside of the 72 Rainiers games we host each season. Baseball will always be what we are known for, but with the amenities this facility offers, Cheney Stadium has the potential to be much more than just a ballpark. Most people don't realize the scope of the events or outings that we can host. Christmas parties, company meetings, corporate picnics/batting practices, festivals, concerts, car shows, 5K runs, etc. - you name the event and I would love to talk about putting it together. The Rainiers focus has always been to contribute in making Tacoma be a highly desired destination for events and entertainment, with Cheney Stadium being a premiere venue.

VOLCANO: When/what will the first event outside of baseball be?

PULLEN: Our next big event is the Seattle Seahawks Celebrity Softball Game. The details will be released soon, but it looks to be an incredible opportunity to host current and former Seahawks players, all while benefitting a great cause. The game will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2013, and the Rainiers are excited to host it. Many more incredible events are already in the works this season, and we look forward to adding to that list as the year continues.

VOLCANO: Where can people find information about upcoming special events?

PULLEN: All events information is featured on the Tacoma Rainiers website, including a calendar with interactive features to help track our upcoming events schedule. Additional information can be found through Facebook, Twitter and the club's other social media platforms.

VOLCANO: Why do you think this change is important for Tacoma?

PULLEN: Hosting non-baseball events at Cheney Stadium presents the opportunity to further develop an already unique, culturally rich community. I have already come to appreciate many of the local venues and businesses involved in putting on events throughout the area, and the community seems supportive of bringing in concerts, festivals and other promising events. In Tacoma, the music and events industry is on the cusp of exploding, and the Rainiers want to do our part in making sure this region's potential is realized.  

VOLCANO: Anything else you'd like to add?

PULLEN: At the end of the day, the goal is to have members of the community wonder what the next fun event is happening at Cheney Stadium, regardless of the season. That's the fun part of my job; being able to put these special events together and get the community involved. This is one more way to give Tacoma something new that people can be excited to be a part of.