Batter up! Baseball season is here! Chicago has two major league teams, but there are four minor league teams in the Chicago suburbs. Watching the boys of summer at a minor league game can be both budget-friendly and a ton of fun.
All the teams offer a schedule full of fun theme nights. There are also many opportunities for running the bases and getting autographs from players. Each team also has a kids’ club, and a few offer clubs that promote summer reading, too. Check out their websites to see the events, deals and special offers available.
Kane County Cougars
Cheapest single game ticket price: $9
Fireworks: Varies, Thursday through Sunday
Home Stadium: Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva
Promotional game we want to attend: Minions Night on June 30 (which also includes Brookfield Zoo tickets for first 1,500 fans)
The Kane County Cougars are the single-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. On Sunday Funday, kids eat for free, with those ages 3 to 10 getting a hot dog and small drink. On Fridays, the Cougars offer a Family Four Pack, which consists of four reserved seat tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, one giant bag of popcorn and a post-game fireworks show for just $39.
Joliet Slammers
Home Opener: May 16
Cheapest single game ticket price: $2 on Tuesday ($8 other days)
Fireworks: On Fridays and select Saturdays
Home Stadium: Silver Cross Field in Joliet
Promotional game we want to attend: Bark in the Park on June 4. Dogs get in for $6 and can join in the pre-game doggy parade. Kids can run the bases and get autographs post-game.
The Joliet Slammers were East Division Champions in the Frontier League last year and are looking to building upon that success this year with the help of Joseph Ortiz, a former Cubs prospect. The Slammers will host the Frontier League All-Star Game in July. The Frontier League is an independent development league. This season includes 15 games with fireworks.
Windy City ThunderBolts
Home Opener: May 12
Cheapest single game ticket price: $7 (before date of game, $9 if purchased on game day)
Fireworks: On Saturdays
Promotional game we want to attend: Harry Potter Night on July 8
Home Stadium: Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood
The ThunderBolts are the minor league team of Chicago’s South Side and the Southwest suburbs that is also a part of the Frontier League. There are different events included at each home game, including Beatles Night featuring a pregame concert by Kaleidoscope Eyes on May 27 and a petting zoo on certain games.
Schaumburg Boomers
Home Opener: May 12
Cheapest single game ticket price: $8
Fireworks: Fridays and Saturdays
Home Stadium: Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg
Promotional game we want to attend: Disney Night on June 3
The Boomers are also in the Frontier League. Check out the Family Sundays package, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44. If the stadium seems a little familiar, it may be because it was designed using the same dimensions as Wrigley Field. Check out one of the 22 night games with fireworks.
