The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) "You Pick the Improvement" contest has culminated with fans of the choosing the addition of backs to the bleacher seats atModern Woodmen Park as the stadium improvement they want to see in 2009.The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) "You Pick the Improvement" contest has culminated with fans of the choosing the addition of backs to the bleacher seats at Modern Woodmen Park as the stadium improvement they want to see in 2009.
"Since we took over the franchise last November I don’t think it has been much of a secret: what the fans want, the fans get," said team owner Dave Heller. "The comfort and enjoyment of our fans is our top priority, and we value tremendously their input and suggestions. We introduced this contest to give our fans an opportunity to tell us how we can make their ballpark experience even better. Now that they have spoken, we will act on their request. After all, the customer is always right."
The contest was a seven-week process that included two phases and gave River Bandits baseball fans the ultimate power to enhance the gameday experience at Modern Woodmen Park. The list of finalists was full of great ideas. In addition to the upgrade in the bleacher seating, fans also had the option to vote for a permanent playground for kids, an LED ribbon board along the outfield wall, a water feature such as a waterfall or a fountain beyond the outfield fence, a misting system covering part of the concourse, and a tent/canopy over the Party Plaza down the right field line.
The winner of the contest was Craig Foster, a lifelong Cardinals fan from Davenport, Iowa. Foster was chosen randomly by Modern Woodmen Bank executives from a group of fans who suggested the ballpark improvement that will become a reality by the time Spring rolls around. Foster wins a pair of season tickets for the 2009 season.
"In the games I came to throughout the year, I noticed that a lot of fans would start the game in the bleachers but end up moving around and leaving their seats," Foster explained. "I thought adding backs to the bleachers would make the section more comfortable, especially for the older fans."
The River Bandits staff has already begun the process of implementing his idea.