The Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) have announced a series of improvements to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, including some player amenities built to Chicago Cubs specs — a sign the two teams are extending a PDC in the future.
The announcement of a new player development contract between the Cougars and the Cubs hasn’t been formally made public, but a press release from the Cougars says team ownership will be constructing a new batting cage built to the Cubs’ specifications, complete with two hitting tunnels. The climate-controlled cage will also house an expanded Cougars’ weight room and a state-of-the-art video room, allowing convenient access for Cougars and Cubs field staff to develop and evaluate players.
Also for next season, a new, high-definition videoboard will be installed at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, providing an enhancement of the in-game fan experience with various promotions, game action, video replays and more. The Cougars have announced an agreement with 4Topps Premium Seating to construct a premium seating area on the lower-seating bowl area of the ballpark. This new premium seating area, to be located behind home plate will provide a unique gameday experience, complete with waitress service while offering the ability to cater towards multiple-size groups, including individuals. Finally, the Cougars will construct a permanent music pavilion to be used for gameday events such as the Cougars’ Ballpark Concert Series, as well as non-gameday events.
“We’re extremely excited to announce a series of projects as we look towards our 25th anniversary season in 2015,” Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich said in a press release. “These projects will elevate what is already viewed as a premium facility. Our players and coaches, as well as our parent club Chicago Cubs, will enjoy a climate-controlled batting cage, as well as a weight room and video room that will be custom-built exactly to their specifications. We’re confident that these projects will be warmly received by our fans, our players, and the Cubs organization as we look towards Opening Day 2015. This announcement shows that the Cougars organization is committed to the community as well as the Cubs organization.”
“The Forest Preserve could not be more pleased with how quickly the new owners have hit the ground running developing and implementing a capital plan to keep our facility one of the real “jewels” of the Midwest League, and something for all of Kane County to continue to be proud of,” Forest Preserve District of Kane County President John Hoscheit said.
“This past season, our inaugural Ballpark Concert Series was a huge hit as five Saturday dates featured live music from some of the Chicagoland area’s most popular bands, setting the perfect tone as fans began their evening at a Cougars game,” Cougars owner Cheryl Froehlich said. “Beginning in 2015, our facility will have a permanent music pavilion to use for future concerts, as well as for the community to enjoy during non game-day events.”
“With an exciting off-season planned, we’re pleased to announce that individual ticket and parking prices will not be raised for the 2015 season, showing the organization’s commitment to the community and continuing the tradition of affordable, family-friendly entertainment,” Cougars Vice President/General Manager Curtis Haug said.
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