Bandits roll out Elgin plans

The Chicago Bandits may have finished last this year in the National Pro Fastpitch softball league.

But Tuesday was all about winning, as representatives from Elgin, the Bandits and Judson University officially announced plans to move to the team to Elgin.

"This has truly been a collaborative effort," said city council member Mike Powers, who helped broker the deal with the Bandits. "We're all very interested in building Elgin into a regional sports center."

The city council still has to vote on its 2008 budget, but under the terms of an agreement between the city, the team and the university, the city will spend $350,000 to upgrade the softball facilities at Judson while city officials make plans for a permanent stadium to open in 2011.

The team is expected to play its first game at Judson on June 6 against the Akron Racers.

Bandits vice president and part-owner Bill Sokolis says the university will make for a great temporary home while the team waits on the new stadium.

The upgrades at Judson include a new infield, press box, and lighting and seating to accommodate 2,000 fans.

"The site itself is gorgeous," Sokolis said. "It's going to be a nice field once we're done."

Judson officials say they are thrilled to help.

"We're very eager to be working with the city of Elgin and the Bandits," university President Jerry Cain said.

Playing at Judson is just a part of the team's overall plan to become a part of the community, said Bill Conroy, Bandits chief executive officer and principal owner.

The team also plans to hold summer camps and softball clinics in Elgin.

And team officials want to hold Friday night fireworks and scholarship Sundays to entice Elgin residents to visit the ballpark.

The plan, Conroy said, is to "bring family entertainment to the Elgin community for a reasonable price. We want to get the community involved. It's a win-win for everyone."

City officials agree.

"There's just an incredible sports tradition here that we're building on," Powers said.