With the season already in full swing for the Chicago Cubs and White Sox, it’s time for suburban baseball teams to take advantage of Opening Day.
The Chicago Dogs and Kane County Cougars start their home seasons Friday while the Schaumburg Boomers open on the road. That means plenty of great food, drink, entertainment, promotions and, of course, baseball for suburban fans looking for a cheaper, more intimate way to enjoy the national pastime.
Here’s a guide to what to expect at suburban ballparks over the next few months.
chicago hounds
It’s hard to believe it’s already the fifth season of Chicago Dogs baseball in Rosemont. Many daily specials are back at Impact Field, including Family Sundays, with bottomless $3 popcorn and fountain drinks in addition to on-field pre-game catches and autographs . Among the special events this season, May 31 is Military Appreciation Day, there is an extravagant fireworks display on July 4, and two Bark at the Park events. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the season will be the AFC All-Star Game scheduled for July 12 at Impact Field.
Information: Impact Field, 9850 Ave. Balmoral, Rosemont, (847) 636-5450, thechicagodogs.com
Tickets: $9 to $25
Kane County Cougars
The Cougars kick off their second season in the American Association with another slate of weekly specials, including Taco Tuesday and Sunday Family Fest with concession stand offers, theme nights, giveaways, baseball concerts and 26 fireworks nights. Northwestern Medicine Field will be the site of Military Appreciation Night on July 2, while theme nights include ’80s, Star Wars, American Girl, Christmas and Bark in the Park. Giveaways include sunglasses, team baseball cards, floppy hats and patriotic caps. Among the eight baseball gigs are American English, The Wayouts and Haley Mae Campbell.
Info: Northwestern Medicine Field, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, (630) 232-8811, kccougars.com
Tickets: $9 – $31.25
Schaumburg Boomers
Giveaways, promotions and fireworks will greet Boomers fans again this season at the Frontier League game at Wintrust Field. There are Looney Tunes, Marvel Superheroes, Star Wars and Jimmy Buffett nights in addition to a Marshmallow Fight night on August 5 and a military appreciation night on July 12. There are nine giveaway dates where fans will receive caps, jerseys, backpacks and bobbleheads. The Boomers and Raising Canes Chicken are teaming up to create a kids’ club where members will receive Sunday game seats, 10% off merchandise and a free Raising Canes combo.
For further information: Wintrust Field, 1999 South Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, (847) 461-3695, boomersbaseball.com
Tickets: $11 to $14
