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BANDITS, MODERN WOODMEN BANK UNVEIL FINALISTS

Fans to vote for new ballpark improvement as Phase Two begins Wednesday
September 24, 2008
The Quad Cities River Bandits and Modern Woodmen Bank are determined to make sure that Modern Woodmen Park will be better than ever in 2009 - but it will be up to River Bandits fans to determine just how that goal will be achieved.

After three weeks of collecting suggestions from fans, the River Bandits and Modern Woodmen Bank went through a long list of creative ideas and whittled it down to six finalists.

"We expected the people of the Quad Cities to show their ingenuity and creativity and give us a great list of potential ballpark improvements, and our fans did not let us down," said team owner Dave Heller. "I'm excited to find out which option will come out on top and looking forward to seeing that vision turn into reality. We are all very appreciative of the great support our fans and Modern Woodmen Bank have shown to this great ballpark."

On Wednesday, the "You Pick the Improvement" contest enters Phase Two. Between now and Wednesday, October 15, fans will have the opportunity to go online to www.ModernWoodmenBank.com/RiverBandits and cast their vote for one of these six finalists:

  • Backs on the bleacher seats
  • Permanent playground for kids
  • An LED ribbon board along the outfield wall
  • Water feature beyond the outfield fence (waterfall/fountain/pond)
  • Misting system covering one part of the concourse
  • Tent/canopy over the Party Plaza down the right field line

"Any of these improvements will make the park experience even better for families in the Quad Cities," said Steve Ollenburg, President and CEO of Modern Woodmen Bank. "As the contest sponsor, we are also excited to find out what the winning idea will be!"

The fan that suggested the winning idea will be rewarded with a pair of 2009 season tickets for themselves and a guest. If more than one person suggested the winning improvement, a drawing will be held to determine the winner of the prize.

"Modern Woodmen Park is already one of the most breathtaking, picturesque ballparks in all of Minor League Baseball," said River Bandits' Vice President/General Manager Kirk Goodman. "But we are committed to improving every facet of our operation at every turn. Even though we are proud of the 56 percent increase in attendance in year one, we are not satisfied with that accomplishment. The ballpark experience will be even better in 2009."

UP NEXT: The River Bandits have just completed one of the most successful seasons in the history of the franchise. Under new ownership and management in 2008, the River Bandits topped 207,000 fans for only the sixth time in team history and the first time in 12 years. With a renewed dedication to fans, sponsors and the Quad Cities community, the return of the River Bandits has brought a resurgence of support for the team. Season tickets and mini-plans are on sale for the 2009 season and Banditwear is available all year long at Modern Woodmen Park.