Cougars ticket sale event another big hit

Around 250 people spent the early part of Saturday morning at Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva buying tickets for the Kane County Cougars 2009 baseball season. It was the first day fans could buy tickets for single games, and some arrived in the wee hours of the morning to ensure they got the seats and dates of their choosing.

"I got here late, at 8:30 (a.m.)," said Dick Ehle of Wheaton.

Fans were given numbers when they arrived and latecomer Ehle had number 80. "I've been coming here for 15 years," Ehle said. "I bring my wife and my daughter and her family. I always get tickets for Father's Day, July Fourth and my birthday. It's a good environment for family fun."

The annual ticket event - which includes a free hot breakfast buffet - was held in a new addition that will house staff offices. It is part of a $10.5 million stadium renovation that will be completed by the season opener in April.

"I think people will be real excited and pleased when the renovations are complete," said Jeff Sedivy, the Cougars general manager. "For the first time ever, we'll have a covered concourse where fans can get out of the rain. And the last four rows of the seating bowl will be under the upper deck, so those fans can get out of the sun."

The renovations also include three catering areas for private parties and two rooftops. The Cougars rent the stadium from the Kane County Forest Preserve District, which issued an $8 million revenue bond guaranteed by rent from the Cougars, according to Sedivy. The additional $2.5 million was committed by the Cougars' ownership group.

With stadium upgrades and tickets prices at $10 and $12, the Cougars are not expecting a decline in attendance because of the tough economic times.

"The thing about minor league baseball is they make it fun, the whole game is fun," said Allen Cavender of North Aurora, who was buying tickets with his 10-year-old son Noah. "The kids really enjoy it, and it's more affordable than going into Chicago."