One of the more ill-conceived name changes in baseball has been reversed, as the Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association) are back and the Pheasants are gone. Canaries has been a traditional name of pro baseball teams in Sioux Falls (that and Packers), and dropping the Canaries name was assumed to have hurt the team […]
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Pheasants see boost in ’12 attendance
After a few years in the doldrums, the Sioux Falls Pheasants (independent; American Association) are seeing a boost in the box office, attracting 100,000 fans for the first time since 2009. The Pheasants have averaged 2,511 fans per game through 40 openings, an increase of nearly 61 percent over the average in 2011. With nine home […]
No expansion on tap for American Association: Wolff
There are no plans for expansion in the independent American Association, reports commissioner Miles Wolff, as the league continues its focus on large markets and stable ownership groups. Visiting Fargo’s Newman Outdoor Field, Wolff addressed the issue of western Canadian teams joining the indy circuit — not likely, given the remote nature of Edmonton and […]
Pheasants attendance up dramatically this season
Apparently new ownership and management caught the attention of Sioux Falls Pheasants (independent; American Association) fans: attendance is up some 46 percent this season over last. “We want to thank our fans for their outstanding support so far this season,” said Pheasants President and CEO Tom Garrity. “We are working hard to create new ways […]
Pheasants unveil 20th-anniversary logo
The Sioux Falls Pheasants (independent; American Association) unveiled a 20th anniversary logo to mark the team’s history in independent baseball. “It’s exciting and surreal to think that this modern era of professional baseball in the Sioux Empire celebrates twenty years this season,” said Pheasants CEO Gary Weckwerth. “For those that have followed the team during […]
Explorers mark 20th anniversary with commemorative logo
The relaunch of the Northern League happened 20 years ago — really! — and the Sioux City Explorers are marking the occasion with a new commemorative logo. Out of the original six teams in the independent circuit, three are still in business in their original markets: the Explorers, the Sioux Falls Pheasants (originally the Canaries) […]
As Pheasants struggle at gate, owners look for solutions
The last two seasons should have been gravy time for the Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants (independent; American Association) as the team set marks for wins. Instead, attendance is plunging after branding and concession changes. What can be done to stem the tide? No doubt managing partner Gary Weckwerth thought he was opening a new chapter […]