Anticipation

With baited breath

Cougars weeks from unveiling stadium

For nearly two decades, the Kane County Cougars have been one of the more successful organizations in minor league baseball.

Soon, they will have a facility to reflect that.

While Elfstrom Stadium, the team's home for its 19-season run in the Midwest League, has served it well, for several years it has lagged behind many of the organizations throughout the league in terms of skyboxes and other amenities.

While new stadiums or renovations have materialized in places such as Peoria, Quad Cities and Dayton, little has changed at Elfstrom since the seating area was last expanded in 1999.

That's no longer the case as this offseason a long-awaited -- and much needed -- renovation has taken place, starting virtually since the team played its last home game in early September. When the Cougars return to open the home schedule April 13, an improved Elfstrom will welcome the team and its fans.

"I am confident that the fan base will like what we did," general manager Jeff Sedivy said. "So far the early returns of the people who have seen it have been very positive. It's had some rave reviews.

"It is better than I envisioned, and I had high expectations."

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