Major Changes to a Minor League Park

Editor’s Note: Orignally published June 19, 2019.

As “brothers in battery” of the same professional baseball organization, the Seattle Mariners and Everett AquaSox are rarely— if ever— in competition with one another. However, if we were to compare the off-season changes of each team’s respective stadiums, the Sox may edge out its major-league affiliate in terms of creativity, sponsorship, uniqueness and overall coolness.

While the M’s went magenta by changing its Safeco Field to T-Mobile Park, the Sox added Freddy Funko to its roster and stadium namesake to become Funko Field.

The new Freddy Funko statue being assembled in right field // Jason Grohoske, Everett AquaSox

New Funko banners adorn the foul poles // Sarah Newgarde, Everett AquaSox

With the baseball portion of the multi-sport complex changing its official name to Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium, AquaSox fans can expect to see the perfect blend of the stadium’s traditional small ballpark feel with a Funko flair that really adds “POP!” to the minor league baseball experience.

“We are very excited to be with Funko,” said AquaSox General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “You couldn’t have a better partner. They’re a very unique company and we get to do some fun stuff with them this season.”

Pay a visit to the Funko version of Webbly at the park // Sarah Newgarde, Everett AquaSox

In addition to the field turf that was added last year with joint contributions from the AquaSox and the Everett School District, Funko Field will feature an upgraded digital scoreboard in the outfield, a manual scoreboard above the press box behind home plate, plenty of exciting Funko signs around the park and a giant statue of Freddy Funko wearing a Sox uniform—similar in size to the ones that surround Funko’s headquarters on Wetmore Avenue—in the right field home run alley.

The fully-assembled Freddy is ready for a photo-op // Sarah Newgarde, Everett AquaSox

Beyond the stadium’s structural updates, fans will be excited to get their hands on exclusive collector giveaways, which include six different Funko POP! figurines of the team’s mascot Webbly or Freddy Funko, only available during Funko Fridays, and in limited quantities.

“We will be the first team in the country that has done a Funko POP! as a giveaway,” said Tetzlaff.

“It’s quite special that we get to make that happen for our fans.”

Local baseball fans have already begun showing their support for the AquaSox this season, as a record number turned out for last week’s 16th annual Everett Cup exhibition game between the Sox and local semi-pro team, the Everett Merchants. Though the Sox lost the pitcher’s duel of a matchup for the first time since 2010 by a score of 2-0, Tetzlaff is thrilled to be part of a playoff contender that wins not only on the field but with its loyal fans.

The manual clock on top of the old scoreboard being taken down // Sarah Newgarde, Everett AquaSox

“When people come in the park, I want them to enjoy the experience,” said Tetzlaff. “We want people to come out and be proud of it. It’s our welcome mat.”

The AquaSox home opener is on Friday June 21 against the Salem-Kiezer Volcanoes at 7:05 p.m. This game will feature the first of six Funko Friday giveaways, which include exclusive Funko POP! figurines. Each POP! giveaway is limited to 2,000 and they will not be available anywhere other than the specified game. Check out the team’s website to see a full game and promo schedule.