Geneva's Elfstrom Stadium officially reopens

Nearly three months after the Kane County Cougars' official opening day, another inaugural event took place at the Geneva ballfield.

Saturday's 6 p.m. game versus the Peoria Chiefs served as the grand reopening of the recently renovated Philip B. Elfstrom Stadium.

The facilities now include an upper deck to the stadium's main grandstand; 15 new luxury suites; rooftop party areas along the left and right field baselines; an administration building; and a covered concourse shielding fans from inclement weather.

Revamping the 18-year-old stadium cost $10.5 million and took more than a year of work, officials said.

Cougars General Manager Jeff Sedivy said renovations are almost completed, with just a "punch list" of small items to take care of, including minor painting work.

At Saturday's reopening ceremony, representatives from the Forest Preserve District, Cougars Baseball, Skender Construction and Ream-Hauser Architects were on hand for a ribbon-cutting.

Forest Preserve President John Hoscheit threw out the ceremonial first pitch, along with 10-year-old Matt Sierzega of Oswego, who was celebrating his birthday at the game with a dozen pals.

Expansion to the Kane County-owned home of the Cougars began last March. Team officials believe the renovation will make the Cougars the biggest sporting event draw in the Fox Valley, paying back the county's investment by boosting the local economy with larger crowds on game days.

"We'll continue to tweak things as we go," Sedivy said. "But right now, I'd put this facility up against anybody's in the country."

The Cougars, the Class A affiliate of the Oakland A's, averaged more than 7,000 attendees per game last year.

On Saturday, the Rich family was quick to note the changes despite having been unaware of the work, having moved to St. Joseph, Mich., from Libertyville.

"I noticed a difference right away," Kris Rich said. "I noticed all the new seating; thought it looked cleaner, more professional."