Promotions are tied to sporting events as much as athletes or concessions. Fans keep their eyes out for the next giveaway or theme.

Only one Rangers player, Josh Hamilton, will see his likeness become a bobblehead for a team promotion this season. The Rangers will also give away replicas of the Nolan Ryan statue that stands beyond the center-field wall.

MIKE STONE / Special to DMN

On 13 dates, it will be take me out to the ballgame - and the postgame fireworks show - at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The list includes a dozen Friday nights plus July 4.

Other giveaways include hats, jerseys and backpacks. In addition, there will be plenty of fireworks, concerts and the ever-popular Fan Appreciation Day.

The opponents will also provide reason to get out to the ballpark. The Boston Red Sox come to Arlington twice, and interleague play brings the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres to town.

Some key dates and promotions on the schedule.

The Rangers' will again bring plenty of musical talent to the ballpark. Concert dates increase from five to eight and again include the Faith Concert Series, with the Casting Crowns and MercyMe.

There is only one scheduled giveaway of a player likeness this season (there were three last year). Josh Hamilton bobbleheads will be given to the first 20,000 fans through the gates May 16.

Something different will be offered in their collectibles. Summer Fun Faith Nights will feature giveaways of bobblehead likenesses of Bible characters to the first 1,000 group tickets booked. The series will include Moses (June 12), Noah (July 17) and Daniel (July 31).

Nolan Ryan replica statues will be given away at the May 1 game against the Chicago White Sox.

Rivalries need time to take shape. Rangers-Astros is still far behind the history of Yankees-Red Sox or Cubs-Cardinals. But state bragging rights and the Silver Boot will again be on the line in the six-game Rangers-Houston series.

The series starts at Houston's Minute Maid Park with three games May 22-24 and finishes in Arlington on June 16-18. The teams split six games last year (each went 2-1 at home), but the Rangers won the boot by outscoring Houston, 34-28, in the series.

How's this for history? The Philadelphia Phillies came to Arlington last season and went on to win the World Series. That could mean something to the Astros or the other two National League teams headed this way this season:

Los Angeles Dodgers, June 12-14: If nothing else, Rangers fans will get the chance to be a part of the ongoing saga that is "Manny being Manny."

San Diego Padres, June 26-28: Along with former Rangers pitcher Chris Young, one of the many former Texas first basemen (Adrian Gonzalez) returns.

The New York Yankees make one trip to Arlington, and the Boston Red Sox visit twice.

The Yankees play three games at the Ballpark on May 25-27, the first one an afternoon game on Memorial Day.

Boston comes for three games July 20-22 and for three more Aug. 14-16.

How does going to a Rangers game and getting a free ticket to Six Flags sound? On May 3 against the Chicago White Sox, the first 7,500 fans 13 and under will get a Six Flags over Texas pass.

"Big Bang Friday Fireworks" nights are appropriately named. A dozen of them, combined with the Independence Day show July 4, increase the scheduled fireworks dates from five last season to 13 this year.

The fourth annual Weather Day is set for May 14 against Seattle. Channel 11 meteorologists will hold a pregame weather lesson. Past presentations included the launching of a weather balloon and weather trivia.

Fans will get the chance to view animals from the Dallas Zoo's education collection before Thursday's game against Cleveland.

From hats to shirts and backpacks, there are ample opportunities during the season to grab something free:

At www.texasrangers.com, or by calling 972-726-4377.