The continuing effort to stabilize pro baseball in Joliet was boosted after new Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) ownership and management met with local fans.
In theory, Joliet should be a good baseball market if the numbers are correct. And while indy baseball initially did OK at Silver Cross Field during the early days of the Joliet Jackhammers (independent; Northern League), succeeding ownership groups have struggled, with the team now on a new set of owners after Alan Oremus and crew sold to an investment group led by Twin Cities attorney Josh Schaub.
The issue: addressing some of the shortcomings at Silver Cross Field (and there still are some issues on the physical-plant side, we hear) while attacting families to the ballpark. A parking ramp planned for the nearby train station should help (parking has always been a challenge), and a revamp of concessions should help as well. The bottom line for Schaub and new GM Chris Franklin: attracting more than 2,200 fans a game to the ballpark. From the Sun-Times:
“Our ultimate goal is to increase attendance,” Schaub said, declining to disclose specific numbers. “Minor league baseball is about fan-friendly, affordable, family entertainment. That’s what we want to bring.”
RELATED STORIES: Joliet approves Slammers lease; Joliet offers lowered ballpark lease to new Slammers owners; Twin Cities group negotiating to buy Slammers; Joliet Slammers sale imminent; Joliet Slammers on the market; Indy ball apparently not good enough for Joliet; Slammers hit bumps in second season
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