Hartford Yard Goats and Eversource launch 2026 student reading challenge

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, in partnership with Eversource, has announced the return of its student reading challenge for the 2026 season. The program offers students in kindergarten through eighth grade the opportunity to earn two tickets to a Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Park by reading five books outside of their school curriculum.

Parents or guardians must register participating students on the Yard Goats website between now and June 5. Once registered, students have until July 31 to complete their five books to qualify for the tickets. As part of the initiative, one participating student will be selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a game this summer.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Eversource on the Yard Goats Reading Challenge, which has been very successful each year,” Yard Goats President Tim Restall said. “This program is a fun way for students to set reading goals, and get rewarded for their efforts with tickets to a Yard Goats game.”

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Eversource Director of Energy Efficiency Stephen Bruno emphasized the company’s commitment to education and community engagement through the initiative. “Initiatives like this help students to expand their knowledge and build critical thinking skills that will empower them to make informed choices, now and in the future,” Bruno said.

To introduce the 2026 challenge, the Yard Goats released a video of a reading of Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” which is available on the team’s website for use in classrooms. The Yard Goats, a Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, are currently in the midst of a homestand at Dunkin’ Park, with single-game tickets for the season now on sale.

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Hartford Yard Goats and Eversource launch 2026 student reading challenge