Peterborough Blogs
The Capital PTBO To Hold Inaugural Charity Home Run Derby For Local Sports Initiatives
/Sports apparel store The Capital PTBO has announced its inaugural Home Run Derby to be held on Oct. 1 at the Kinsmen Arena ball diamond in support of local sports organizations.
Mark Million (pictured) opened The Capital PTBO in late January this year with his brother Justin. Photo by Luke Best.
The store is accepting registrations through social media private messages or by email at captain@thecapitalptbo.ca. The derby registration fee is $25 and requires participants to bring their own pitcher to throw the ball, slo-pitch style.
The all-ages event is capped at 40 batters each getting 10 pitches where the most home runs hit is declared the winner.
"This is an idea brought to us by Pete Dalliday which was an interaction brought to him by Colin Teskey and Jordan Mercier of Extra 90.5 Radio,” said Mark Million, Capital PTBO co-owner.
Prize structure, food vendors and charity proceed recipients will be announced at a later date. Million has confirmed monetary prizing and custom-made trophies for the winners. They also get their name on the store’s “Wall of Honour,” a banner hung from the store’s roof.
The event could be separated into age divisions however it is not confirmed what they are yet.
@ptbo_canada Need a place to hang out and do all things sports? The Capital PTBO invites you to relax, hang out and maybe shop while you are there! #PTBOCanada ♬ Smokin Out The Window - Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic
Million had remarked that he opened his store as a sports hub for Peterborough and was community-oriented in a prior interview with PTBOCanada. He is seeking volunteers for the event as is confident they will help make it a success.
“We need a lot of help,” he explained. “One thing we have known in the last six months is that when we have put a call to action out, whether to build our lending library or people with their own sports mantles that they want to put on display, we've had people to volunteer to help us out. That's the Peterborough way.”
This event is only the beginning of a series of events Million’s store wants to do for the local community.
“The Home Run Derby is the tip of the iceberg,” he explained. “We'd love to run a street hockey tournament, we'd love to do a three-point contest; all these sorts of things where we can integrate in public spaces and not-for-profit, that's the key. Everything goes back into supporting youth sports and youth initiatives.”
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Electric City Football Club Enters Partnership With Local Business As Exclusive Retailer
/Electric City Football Club (ECFC) has partnered with retail store The Capital PTBO as an exclusive provider of ECFC merchandise for the upcoming 2022 League1 Ontario season announced Friday.
Rob Jenkins, ECFC president (left) with Mark Million, The Capital PTBO owner (right) celebrating their new partnership. The Capital PTBO becomes the first retail store to sell ECFC merchandise outside of the the club’s headquarters. Photo courtesy of ECFC.
“Downtown Peterborough is a special place and as a club we are committed to having a strong presence in the heart of the city.” said Rob Jenkins, ECFC president. “From the first time I spoke with Mark about his vision for a new retail spot on George Street, it seemed like a perfect fit for us both.”
The Capital PTBO opened up shop on Monday. The shop is stocked sports apparel and encourages anyone to hang out in their casual atmosphere.
Owner Mark Million with his brother and business partner Justin Million have a passion for both retail and sports.
“We wanted to create a place where local sports fans come to hang out, chat about last night’s game, and maybe pick up some really cool gear while you’re here,” said Mark. “As a local sports fan, we are very excited to see what Electric City FC is building and bringing to our city and wanted to see if we could play a part in making it a success.”
The Capital PTBO store located at 370 George St. N is the exclusive in-person provider of Electric City FC merchandise along with a pop-up shop that will be at all ECFC home matches this spring and summer.
“We are really excited to have our players and coaches come to the store and hang out with Mark and Justin and have some fun,” said Jenkins. “This downtown shop embodies what we think makes Peterborough great and we are very proud to have our merchandise on display at such a unique place.”
“The Capital PTBO is thrilled to partner with Electric City Football Club, a franchise bound for national success,” said Mark. “Supporting sport, Peterborough and the downtown is at the heart of our mandate and we look forward to growing together with an organization that shares our core values.”
For store hours go to thecapitalptbo.ca or on social media by searching The Capital PTBO.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Local Sports Retail Store Doubles As Community Hub In Unique Business Service
/What looks like a sports apparel store, owner Mark Million of The Capital PTBO created a community hub for the sports community in downtown Peterborough that opened on Monday.
Mark Million also works as a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The store is located at 370 George St. N. and sells sports apparel such as hats, shirts and collectibles but offers a venue for other sports outlets. The space offers free rental space for events such as sports banquets, press conferences or fantasy draft parties.
Customers can use the space as a library for sports books available on-site, play table hockey or watch the game at no charge in a safe and welcoming environment.
"We're not here to make money off you. We're here to let you enjoy the moment,” said Million. “The downtown has for some generations of people, it has a stigma attached that isn't always true. It's not a scary space, it's a safe space run by entrepreneurs."
@ptbo_canada Need a place to hang out and do all things sports? The Capital PTBO invites you to relax, hang out and maybe shop while you are there! #PTBOCanada ♬ Smokin Out The Window - Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic
Million worked in retail with his brother for roughly four years before making a career change to a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. The brothers went back to retail after a friend’s suggestion to open a business since a major store closed its doors last February which left a void in the sports apparel market.
“Retail was my first love and I’ve done it for many, many years,” reflected Million. “National Sports announced that they were closing so that really started to move the ball forward. If we were to take a shot, go for it.”
The logo is made of wood and was crafted by Million’s son, Cole. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
