Going to a Portland Sea Dogs game is like taking a nine-inning vacation.

That’s been a Sea Dogs marketing slogan for years, but it’s sort of true. There’s a steady stream of between-inning contests and entertainment, plus special promotions and events that feature music, dancing, superheroes, dogs and lots more. It definitely doesn’t feel like going to work.

The baseball itself is pretty entertaining, considering the Portland Sea Dogs are an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, meaning they’ve got players heading for or at least dreaming of the Major Leagues. The Sea Dogs also have a Hall of Fame mascot, Slugger, who is all over the place on game days.

The Sea Dogs’ season runs from April into September, meaning there are still a lot of games and a lot of fun stuff to do at the team’s ballpark, Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field. Here are nine innings’ worth of fun things to do next time you’re at the game.

Bark in the Park

This has become an annual tradition at Hadlock. The Gifford’s Pavilion area is reserved for dogs and their humans, with a total capacity of about 350. There’s also a pregame canine parade around the outfield warning track, and Doggie Valets will care for your furry friend while you visit the concession stands. Bark in the Park days are scheduled for May 9 and Sept. 9.

Bobbleheads

Bobbleheads are both silly and somber, with a giant head wobbling wildly, yet meant as an earnest tribute to someone. Fans can get a bobblehead of former Sea Dog and current Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony, dressed as a Roman soldier, on May 20. There’ll be a bobblehead for up-and-coming Red Sox minor league pitcher Payton Tolle on June 17 and one of Maine’s own, NBA superstar Cooper Flagg, on Aug. 12. There’s a talking bobblehead to honor Sea Dogs broadcaster Emma Tiedemann on Women in Sports Night, Aug. 21. They’re limited to the first 1,000 fans.

Dress up

There are theme nights all season long where people dress up as a favorite character, or in a favorite style. June 20 is Batman Night, where fans are encouraged to dress like Batman, Wonder Woman, the Joker or some other character. There’s also an Irish Night on July 17 and Star Wars Night on Aug. 15.

Fan Appreciation Day

This end-of-season tradition sounds much less exciting than it is. On Sept. 12 the outfield at Hadlock Field will be transformed into a cornfield and Sea Dogs players wearing 1920s-style uniforms will emerge from it. Yes, it’s just like that scene in the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams,” but acted out live, with real ballplayers. The players leave the cornfield and go into the stands, to thank fans individually for their support.

Fireworks

There’s no need to wait until July 4th to see pyrotechnics, since the Sea Dogs will offer 10 fireworks shows throughout the season. The fireworks shows are right after night games and light up the sky over I-295. Shows are scheduled for May 22, June 2, June 18, July 17, Aug. 1, Aug. 14 and Aug. 22. There will be fireworks at the park on both July 3 and 4, a double celebration for the country’s 250th birthday.

First Responders Day

On May 23, the Sea Dogs will honor first responders. There will be a pregame ceremony honoring police, firefighters and others. The Portland Fire Department will have some trucks on hand for fans to climb on and explore.

Party on

There will be a definite beach party vibe on Margaritaville Night, June 18. Tiki Thom and the Beach Band will give a pre-game performance and people are encouraged to wear their best Hawaiian shirts. On July 30 there’s ’80s Night, with a performance before the game in front of the park by the band Girls Just Want to Have Fun. On Aug. 20 there’s a pregame dance party in the front plaza for Popstar Night (Slugger’s Version). There will also be friendship bracelets, like the ones favored by you-know-who.

Slugger

Slugger the Sea Dog has been the team’s madcap mascot since its inception in 1994, and he was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2023. He can be seen riding an ATV around the park, mugging for fans’ selfies or arguing with opposing players and coaches. One highlight of every game is in the sixth inning, when Slugger climbs on the dugout and leads the crowd in singing the 70s disco anthem “YMCA” by The Village People. It’s important to practice making the letters with your hands before you go.

Sweet Caroline

Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” has become a staple at many ballparks, but it started at Fenway Park in the 1990s, when a ballpark employee played it for a friend who had a baby named Caroline. So the Sea Dogs, as a Red Sox affiliate, have more right to play it than most teams. The infectious song is played during the middle of the eighth inning and always gets the crowd pumped, especially when it’s time to shout “so good, so good” during the chorus.