NL Sioux Falls Canaries

Canaries Spring Training To Remain In Sioux Falls

Published on January 16, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release


(SIOUX FALLS, SD) – Citing its merit as a great place to prepare for the season, the Sioux Falls Canaries have elected to keep their Spring Training in Sioux Falls, SD, choosing it over various competing cities, including Mankato, MN and Pender, NE.

When asked how long the decision took, Canaries Principal Owner Ben Zuraw said the process was actually quite easy, explaining that the conclusion was met over a long lunch.

"The Canaries recognize what that football team does not - that no team could ask for a better place to prepare for the season," Zuraw said. "We want our players to meet the fans and enjoy Sioux Falls. That is what Northern League baseball is all about."

General Manager John Hindle was also pleased with the decision, which interestingly came without the Canaries asking for competing bids.

"We couldn't think of anything Sioux Falls doesn't have that we would ever need," Hindle said. "This is a tremendous sports town with great fans that treat us very well. Who would want to go anywhere else?"

Birds manager Doc Edwards was in favor of holding Spring Training at the Birdcage, where the Canaries will play 48 home games this season. "This gives the players the opportunity to get used to the confines, and also to learn where the restrooms are," Edwards said.

The Canaries draw over 125,000 or more fans a year to Sioux Falls Stadium – a.k.a. the Birdcage – with an economic impact to the City of Sioux Falls of several million dollars annually. The club pays an estimated $200,000 in rent, ticket tax and sales tax and has donated over $500,000 to the city for upgrades to the ball park. The "Canary Care Foundation" also generates revenue for children's charities in the Sioux Falls community.

The Canaries kick off the 2004 season on May 20 at the Birdcage against the visiting St. Paul Saints. Great tickets packages are now on sale and can be ordered by calling (605) 333-0179.

Check out the Sioux Falls Canaries Statistics

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Northern League Stories from January 16, 2004


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