Baseball season is here, and there is no game in town like Winston-Salem Dash. The Dash's 2024 season runs from April to early September and features 66 home games, 30+ theme nights, 25 fireworks shows, and different promos each night of the week — ranging from Thirsty Thursdays to Fireworks Fridays to Family Sundays. 

As the High-A affiliate for the MLB's Chicago White Sox, the Dash play in award-winning Truist Stadium, which was named the #1 ballpark in the nation by BaseballParks.com. There's something magic about Dash games in this ballpark — the views of the city skyline, the chimes of the old-timey carousel, the local beer at the outfield bar, spreading a blanket along the grassy berm, chowing down on a chicken-and-waffle sandwich, posing for a selfie along the right field bridge — and that's not even mentioning the on-field action, where future MLB stars compete on the regular.

If you're looking to root, root, root for the home team this season, we've got you covered. From must-try foods and can't-miss promos, to tips on where to park, sit, and take the best pics, here's a guide to getting the most out Dash games in 2024.

Go to 2024 Dash home schedule

KNOW THE BEST NIGHTS TO GO

The Dash have daily promotions for every home game in the 2024 season, with a few new draws complementing longtime favorites. From "Pint Night Tuesday" to "$.50 Wing Wednesday," each of the team's 66 home games will feature a special promotion (and, in many cases, a special theme.) Here are a few daily promos and nightly themes to know:

Fireworks Fridays (and Saturdays!)
The team is doubling down on fireworks again this year, as both Friday AND Saturday night games will feature post-game fireworks. (In the past, fireworks have been limited to Friday only.)  In total, the team has more than 30 fireworks shows scheduled for 2024 – the most ever in a single season – all of which start within 10 minutes of the game's final pitch. The Dash will also have a home game on Thursday, July 4th, which will be followed by the biggest fireworks shows in town.

Drinks + Dogs on Thursdays
Thursdays at Truist Stadium feature discounted beer and plenty of bark this season. In addition to the customary Thirsty Thursday promotion (½ off all beer and wine), the team also holds its dog-friendly promo Pups in the Park each Thursday throughout the season. Lawn seats are $8 and pooch passes are $5, with part of the proceeds benefitting the Forsyth Humane Society. After the game, all leashed pups (and their owners) are invited to run the bases. (NOTE: July 4th is excluded from all Thursday daily promos.)

Theme Nights
In addition to the full slate of daily promotions, The Dash often takes things a step further on specialty theme nights,
which feature everything from zany decorations to unique concessions and one-of-a-kind activities. Here's a look at a few favorite theme nights during the summer months:

• June 16: Father's Day. Dads and families can come early and play pregame catch on the field. (Don't forget your glove!)
• June 28: Pickleball Night. Bring your paddle and join the pickle craze. Only a beginner? That’s okay, there will be lessons from the W-S Pickleball Club throughout the game.
• June 29: Frisbee Dogs: The world-famous Frisbee Dogs will be at Truist Stadium showing off their skills.
• July 5: Marvel Superhero Night. The Dash will take the field in specialty Marvel inspired jerseys that will be available for auction. Fans will be able to participate in a stadium-wide scavenger hunt for the Infinity Stones and visit with Spider-Man throughout the game.
• July 6: Bump and Run Night Race Night. Enjoy racing-themed activities such as a Pit Stop Challenge and a Racing Simulator while learning about the racing history of Winston-Salem.
• July 20: Dinos at the Dash. Dinosaurs will be taking over the ballpark and you'll be able to become a paleontologist with interactive displays. Post-game, fans will be able to enjoy fireworks set to a jurassic themed playlist.

KNOW WHERE TO PARK

You can find details on gameday parking on the Dash website (link), including parking maps, pre-paid pass options, handicap lots, and more. But for a few insider parking tips, we've got you covered.

ARRIVE EARLY: But the best tip for finding good parking at Dash games is an obvious one — COME EARLY!  At a minimum, we suggest arriving 45 minutes before the first pitch, especially on weekends.

PLAN IN ADVANCE. To save time and money, we suggest planning — and possibly even paying — for parking in advance. Pre-paid parking is available to any game in any of the Dash lots for $5, but must be purchased the day before. Once you arrive at the stadium, just show your digital pass to the parking attendant, and they'll steer you to the pre-paid lot. (Click here for more info.). If you forgo the pre-paid parking option, the next-best option is to download the PayByPhone app on your smartphone. After setting up an account, you'll pay $10 for your spot and be directed to the best parking option. 

PARK & CART. Just want to forgo all the prepay options? Totally fine. Just head to one of the satellite lots surrounding the stadium (map), many of which are found along Broad Street. After paying for your spot (typically $10), you can make the short walk to the stadium — or better yet, look for one of the three Dash golf carts roaming the parking lots. They'll pick you up and transport you right to the main gate, free of charge.

CATCH THE SHUTTLE: Another convenient option, especially if you're hanging downtown before or after the game, is to park in the free parking deck on Fourth Street (i.e., the Center City Garage) next to Foothills Brewing. From there, you can hop aboard the Downtown Dash Shuttle, which runs continuously between the stadium and a handful of designated pickup spots downtown. (In addition to the Center City Garage, the shuttle also stops at the Bailey Power Plant and Millennium Center, along with a few other spots, viewable here.)

KNOW WHERE TO FIND THE BEST FOOD

Sure, you can get peanuts and cracker jacks at Dash games. But you can also get SO much more. From reimagined classics to over-the-top concoctions, here are seven must-try, listed in no particular order:

1. Walking Doughnut. Take a glazed Krispy Kreme, cut into small bites, top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, and serve in a classic Krispy Kreme hat. That's the idea behind the "Walking Doughnut," which is built for easy carrying — as in, you can eat it while walking. (Available at the Pretzel Stand along the 1st Base side of the stadium) 

2. Brian's Philly Cheesesteak. Dash President Brian DeAngelis, a PA guy, couldn't find a good Philly Cheesesteak when he moved to town a few years ago, so he decided to make his own. The result? One of the best sandwiches you'll find anywhere in town. (Available at the Lowe's Food stand,1st Base side)

3. Bacon on a Stick. This is exactly what it sounds like, a large slice of thick-cut bacon served on a stick for easy portability and eating without getting your hands dirty. (Available at the Lowe's Food stand, 1st Base side)

4. Country Crepe. This creation is definitely for 'cue lovers. Pulled pork is piled inside a thin crepe and served with red slaw. (Available at Bolt’s Barbeque, 1st Base side)

5. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Pie.  Two American classics join forces to create one crazy good dessert (apple pie topped with cinnamon toast crunch). (Available at the Pretzel stand - 1st Base side.)

6. Dirt Cups. A 'dig' at nearby rivals the Greensboro Grasshoppers features chocolate pudding topped with crushed chocolate cookies and gummy grasshoppers. (They are Available at the Pretzel stand, 1st Base side.)

7. Heart Attack Hot Dog. A ballpark classic, this jumbo dog is topped with mac & cheese + bacon. (Find it at Bolt’s Barbeque - 1st Base side)

Of course, there are plenty of other food and drink options at Truist Stadium, from the signature Dash Dogs to the ballpark classic 'Ice Cream Helmets.' Click here for a look at all the food offerings and concession locations inside the stadium.

KNOW THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE 

Sure, there's no such thing as bad seats at Dash games. Whether you watch from behind homeplate or an outfield bar, you'll get a great view and feel close to the action. But here's the scoop on what tickets to get if you want to beat the heat, catch a foul ball, or be up-close to the action.

Best value seats (especially for families): THE BERM. For a lot of groups, the best seats in the house aren't actually seats. They're on a grassy berm just beyond the left field wall. That's where you can spread out a blanket, casually take in the action, maybe even snag a home run. The berm also offers easy access to the Kid's Zone, the Wicked Weed outfield bar, plus a newly installed misting station. It's also the most affordable place to sit in the stadium, with tickets costing a mere $8.

Best place to hangout and grab a beer: (TIE)  You can't go wrong in either of the two outfield bars, both of which offer some of the best sightlines of any stadium bar in America. The newer of the two is the Foothills Flight Deck where you'll find patio furniture, high-top tables, and a birds-eye view courtesy of the newly opened balcony. The Flight Deck complements the stadium's other bar area, the Wicked Weed Outfield Bar, a multi-leveled deck bar overlooking left field. Both bars are open to anyone — no special ticket required — provided your at least 21.

All-around best seats: CLUB SEATS. You don't have to be a VIP to have the best seats in the house. Unbeknownst to many, anyone can purchase club-level seats at Dash games, which offer premium sightlines along with a number of other perks — in-seat wait service, easy bathroom access, plus passes to the air-conditioned Flow Club, where a fully stocked bar and all-you-can-eat buffet awaits. Club seats cost $20, slightly higher than regular reserved seats in the grandstand ($11-$17). But considering the added amenities, it's quite a bargain.

(FINAL NOTE ON SEATING: There are plenty of other great seating options at Dash games, including a Picnic Terrace overlooking right field, Party Decks flanking the Flow Club, even Dugout Suites. To explore all the areas, check the Ticket Options section on the Dash website.)

KNOW SOME INSIDER TIPS

Know the Instagrammable spots. There’s no excuse for dull photos at a Dash game. Between the skyline views and unique sights within the stadium, Insta-worthy photos are all but guaranteed. But for the best pics, head to the raised walkway behind right field (aka, "the Bridge"). The bridge's unique angle allows you to get a selfie with the entire field as your backdrop. Not sure where to stand exactly? You'll find markers on the ground, along with a wooden post containing a phone mount. (As far as other great photo ops, check out the grassy berm overlooking left field, the 10-foot bronze statue outside the main gate, or — if you have access — the club-level suites behind home plate.)

Check Out the 'Hidden' Bar. While most fans head to the two outfield bars to order drinks, there's another cooler, more secluded option hiding along the third-base side of the main concourse — the 712 Speakeasy Bar. Opened last year inside a cargo container, the speakeasy-themed bar features several drink-top tables, making it a nice private getaway. The stadium also features a new Lost Worlds bar and beer-garden area in left field with picnic tables, seating areas, and dozens of unique beverage options. (Be sure to try the "Tarp Water," the Dash's spin on ranch water.)

Let the Kids Run Wild. During every 2024 home game, families can enjoy free admission to the Kids Zone (home to inflatables, games, and the classic carousel). Kids can also run the bases following each game. 

Ride to the Game in Style: The Dash upfitted a classic Ford Model T in the offseason and is now using it to shuttle fans to and from the game (for free!). Look for it circling the parking area near Carolina University, or call the team ahead of time to arrange a ride.

Make it a Full Weekend.  Make it a weekend trip and book a stay at one of several downtown lodging properties, including the Dash's official hotel partner, Fairfield Inn & Suites. And while there aren't any lodging immediately next to Truist Stadium, you'll find several of downtown's most popular hotels are conveniently stationed along the Dash's shuttle route, including the Kimpton Cardinal, Hotel Indigo, Downtown Marriott, Embassy Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott. 

KNOW A FEW DASH FACTS

Impress your crew with a few factoids about the hometown team.

You don't have to be a baseball fan to have a blast at the Dash games. But if you are, then all the better — as the Dash feature some of the brightest young stars in the sport. To round out our "Insider Tips," here are a few things to know about the hometown team.

• The Dash are loaded with MLB talent.  As the High-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, Winston-Salem is a prime stop for many players on the way to the Major Leagues. If players in the White Sox system succeed here, they're typically promoted to the AA Birmingham Barons, then the AAA Charlotte Knights, before landing in the big leagues  Dozens of current MLB players once donned the Purple and White, including All-Stars Tim Anderson, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert, Carlos Rodon, and Chris Sale.
• "The Dash" nickname was born in 2009. The name was chosen after a citywide naming contest as a nod to the distinctive 'dash' between Winston and Salem. (And yes, we know it's technically a hyphen, but that doesn't make for a great team name.)  Before rebranding as the Dash, the team was nicknamed the Winston-Salem Warthogs (1995-2008) and the Winston-Salem Spirits (1984-1994) — the latter of which made an appearance in the 1988 baseball classic Bull Durham.
• The Dash's stadium was ranked No. 1 in the nation. Winston-Salem's downtown ballpark opened in 2010 and was promptly named "Ballpark of the Year" by ballparks.com. Back then it was known as BB&T Ballpark but is now called Truist Stadium following the 2020 merger of BB&T and Suntrust banks. The stadium cost $48 million and has a capacity of 5,500. The largest crowd ever was 9,011 on July 4, 2018.
• The Dash's former ballpark still stands. From 1956 to 2009, Winston-Salem's minor-league teams played a few miles north of downtown at historic Ernie Shore Field. The stadium still stands today but is now known as Wake Forest Baseball Park, as the university took over operations in 2010. 
  • BONUS FACT: The carousel is a classic. You'll find at least one notable relic from Ernie Shore Field at Truist Stadium today — the historic carousel. It moved with the team to the new stadium in 2009 after being refurbished and is now the main draw in stadium's 12,000-sq-ft Kids Zone play area, one of the many amenities found at the park.