Elgin to announce Bandits' arrival

Elgin City Council members haven't agreed just yet to build the field of their dreams.

But it looks like the Chicago Bandits will come anyway.

City, team and Judson University officials are holding a 1 p.m. news conference Tuesday to announce their plans to bring the Bandits to Elgin next year.

"We're very pleased," said Gerry Clarke, Bandits director of team operations. "This is going to open up a whole new marketplace for the Bandits. I really think we'll do a good job out there. The city will be proud."

The Chicago Bandits are part of the National Pro Fastpitch league. The Bandits finished 23-21 this year, missing the playoffs.

Team officials have previously said the plan is to build a 4,400-seat stadium on the site of the old Spartan Meadows Golf Course, now a part of the Highlands of Elgin.

Under the terms of a still tentative agreement, the Bandits would play at Judson for three years while the city builds the new professional sports facility.

In exchange, the city will pay for $350,000 in upgrades to the Judson softball field, including new dugouts, bleachers, brighter lights and a new clay infield.

City officials have included money for the upgrades in their proposed 2008 budget.

But the city council hasn't voted on the budget, or on the proposed sports facility.

Still, Elgin spokeswoman Sue Olafson said city officials believe the Bandits will be a hit.

"This is the direction a lot of people would like us to go," Olafson said. "To have Elgin become a sports center, a regional sports center. I think this puts us on track."

Judson President Jerry Cain said the university welcomes the opportunity to provide the Bandits a temporary home.

"We're eager to host the Bandits," Cain said. "We see this as a good event for the city of Elgin and a good event for the Bandits. We're in this together. I think this is going to be good for everybody in the Fox Valley."

City council members are expected to vote on the city's 2008 budget in December.

No plans have been announced for consideration of the permanent sports facility.