We Speak Baseball

Gwinnett Stripers’ “Hooked on Books” Reading Program Returns for 2027

Published

55 minutes ago

November 2, 2026

Chopper the Groundhog, the Gwinnett Stripers mascot, posing with elementary school students at Gwinnett Field

Stripers mascot Chopper the Groundhog with young readers at Gwinnett Field.

The Gwinnett Stripers and partner Georgia Power today announced the return of Hooked on Books for 2027, a free reading program for elementary aged students across Gwinnett County.

The program, designed to encourage students to participate in extracurricular reading, launched to great success in 2026 with over 30,000 students participating.

Students who “round the bases” and read four books during the program will receive two free tickets to a designated 2027 Gwinnett Stripers game, courtesy of Georgia Power. Teachers and staff at participating schools are also eligible for free tickets.

Schools have two ways to participate in Hooked on Books. With Chopper’s On Campus Kick Off, Stripers mascot Chopper the Groundhog and his friends will come to your school and get your students hyped about the Hooked on Books Reading Program, available to schools within a 15 mile radius of Gwinnett Field. With Virtual Participation, the Stripers will provide a Hooked on Books hype video to get students excited about the reading program, as well as instructions on how to participate.

Materials to track student progress will be provided to schools in advance of their chosen assembly date, between January 11 and March 12. The deadline for students to complete the reading program and claim their two free tickets is May 21.

For more information or to register your school to participate, visit GoStripers.com.

The Stripers’ 2027 season, their 18th campaign as the Triple A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, begins on Friday, March 26 at Memphis. The home opener at Gwinnett Field is Tuesday, March 30 vs. Norfolk.

We Speak Baseball

Cosmic Baseball’s 2027 Takeover Tour Hits 44 Ballparks, Including Gwinnett Field on May 15

Published

4 days ago

October 29, 2026

We Speak Media

A wide night view of a baseball stadium during a Cosmic Baseball game, with the field and stands glowing in purple and green under black lights and players on the field.

Baseball under black lights is going bigger. Cosmic Baseball has announced its 2027 Cosmic Takeover Tour schedule, expanding the glowing nighttime spectacle to 44 Minor League Baseball stadiums nationwide, including a stop at Gwinnett Field, home of the Gwinnett Stripers, on Saturday, May 15.

The tour is building on a massive 2026 run that featured 74 sold-out games across 30 markets and welcomed more than 750,000 fans, a 400 percent increase over the inaugural 2025 tour. For 2027, the production grows again, adding new in-game features headlined by a 360-degree fireworks display.

“The energy on our 2026 tour was absolutely electric, blowing past every expectation we set,” says Martin. “For 2027, we’ve dialed up the production, added groundbreaking new in-game features, and created a glowing nighttime performance that fans will be talking about long after the final light goes out.”

Each game showcases two professional teams, the touring Chili Peppers and Glow Mojis, competing while the ballpark transforms into a nighttime performance fueled by black lights, UV-reactive gear, a live DJ and interactive fan engagement. It is part professional baseball, part immersive performance, and there is nothing else on tour like it.

Cosmic Baseball has been featured nationally on The Today Show, ABC News and Sports Illustrated. Fans can join the ticket lottery now at chilipeppersbaseball.com for the chance to buy tickets to the Gwinnett Field stop on May 15, and follow the Chili Peppers and Glow Mojis on social media for tour news and updates.

Photo: Cosmic Baseball.