Thunder to move to Player's Park
October 18, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
ROCKFORD - The Thunder will call Roscoe and Player's Park (5444 Swanson Road) home for the next 10 years, as both sides reached a deal to move the team there during the week, as announced today by general manager Aaron M. Moore.
The team finished the 2008 regular season at Player's Park after the rain and severe flooding of Sportscore One forced the team out of its home facility.
"We're very pleased with the decision to make the move to Player's Park," said Moore. "We have a good relationship with the complex and the people of SYA (Stateline Youth Athletics).
When it came down to making a decision and moving forward, we had to look at several factors, including concessions and even Mother Nature. The decision to move the team now is a major step to hopefully generating a good revenue stream that will keep the Thunder moving forward year after year."
With the move to the new complex, the Thunder will be able to bring in outside food vendors and even approach local distributors about becoming a part of the venue, something that was not allowed during the Thunder's time at Sportscore.
"It's a win-win situation for all three parties," said Denny McKinney, vice president of the SYA. "It's a bigger win for the residents of Roscoe. You couldn't ask for better role models to be around for our kids on a regular basis.
We got the good fortune of working with the Thunder for 19 games this summer and from day one, we dreamed we could get them to come out here and be with us. Now we'll make it a real home for them."
Renovation and construction of the field is set to begin this week and improvements to facility will include, but not be limited to, a new concessions area, a press box with merchandise stand, a ticket booth, in-ground dugouts and bleacher seating for 1,200 fans.
The Thunder will hold a press conference on Wednesday, October 22 at Player's Park at 1 p.m. Members from Player's Park and the Thunder will be on hand to field questions about the move and the intended renovations for the facility. The team will also introduce its new youth pitching instructor, Paige Granath.
For more information on the Thunder, the playground build or to purchase season tickets for 2009, contact Aaron M. Moore at (815) 965-7000. Season tickets are available now for just $75 for general admission tickets and $135 for bleacher seating. For additional information on the team, visit www.thunderprofastpitch.com.
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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from October 18, 2008
- Thunder to move to Player's Park - Rockford Thunder
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