Sports stats

MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Outdoor Symphony and Fireworks Spectacular to be Followed by Movie on September 6

August 7, 2008 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


A summer full of fun and entertainment at Modern Woodmen Park will continue on September 6, as the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and new Music Director Mark Russell Smith will bring the 26th annual Riverfront Pops to baseball's most scenic ballpark.

"Modern Woodmen Park is an ideal venue for a wide variety of entertainment events," said team owner Dave Heller. "The Riverfront Pops is one of the summer's great festivities, and although LeClaire Park's lack of availability is unfortunate, we are excited to be able to step in and help out. This gives us the opportunity to take an event that is already fantastic and make it even better by including a great fireworks show and a post-concert movie and taking advantage of the unique aspects of our ballpark."

The baseball field will be opened to those who wish to recreate the outdoor atmosphere of LeClaire Park, with the added benefit of stadium seating and improved views for those who don't want to lug their lawn chairs, and luxury suite views for River Bandits' suiteholders. The gates will open at 3:00 p.m. for seating on the field and in the stands, with the concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. The traditional post-concert fireworks will be followed by a showing of "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial" on Modern Woodmen Park's giant video board.

"We see this move to Modern Woodmen Park as a real opportunity," said Quad City Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Jeff vom Saal. "We've worked with the Park to keep everything that was great about the Riverfront Pops, like the open seating on the field, and have added some things we couldn't have done at LeClaire Park, like putting the concert on the giant video screen, showing a movie after the concert, and even the Genesis Healthy Kids Zone."

This year's concert will feature the beloved movie themes of John Williams, ranging from blockbusters such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter to emotional epics like Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. Added to this is a visit from the characters of Star Wars, provided by the Midwest Garrison of the 501st Legion. After being photographed with a Storm Trooper, the kids can burn off some energy at the Genesis Healthy Kids Zone with its 17-foot tall slide and miniature baseball diamond. As is traditional, the concert will end with the 1812 Overture, Stars and Stripes Forever and a spectacular fireworks show.

"We are obviously familiar with the inconveniences that the 2008 floods have caused to everyone in the Quad Cities, particularly those who plan events on the riverfront," said Vice President/General Manager Kirk Goodman. "We are excited to open the doors of Modern Woodmen Park to the Quad City Symphony, its patrons and sponsors. This is another perfect example that Modern Woodmen Park is home to much more than just baseball and is a perfect venue for concerts, festivals and other exciting events."

Tickets are $20 at the gate, and can also be purchased in advance at all area Ticketmaster outlets or the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Box Office. Children 12 and under are admitted free, and senior tickets can be purchased in advance for $18. The Riverfront Pops is sponsored by SSAB Enterprises, Wells Fargo, McLaughlin Motors and Zimmerman Honda.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits are in the midst of a weekday series in Cedar Rapids, but will return to Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday to host the Clinton LumberKings for a four-game set. Saturday night's game will be Jimmy Buffett Night as will as Davenport Community Night, featuring a post-game concert by the Fry Daddies. The fun continues on a U.S. Bank Family Sunday with a free poster of Cardinals first-round picks Brett Wallace and Pete Kozma for the first 750 fans through the gates! Unsinkable Spirit Night follows on Monday, featuring a variety of fundraising activities to help raise money for local flood relief. The homestand concludes with a water bottle giveaway on Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night, which will also be QC Area Rotary Night to raise funds in support of Polio eradication worldwide. Bandit Wear featuring the new team name and logo is currently available by visiting the Modern Woodmen Park team store, and prorated versions of season ticket packages, mini-packages, and the popular You-Pick-10 Plan are on sale at the park or by calling (563) 3-BANDITS!

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics



Midwest League Stories from August 7, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Quad Cities River Bandits Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central