Cougars reveal plans for All-Star Game

GENEVA, IL -- The Kane County Cougars have released specific details regarding the 2007 Midwest League All-Star Game, which will be hosted by the Cougars on Tuesday, June 19 at 7 p.m. CT. The centerpiece of the event will be the game itself, which will feature the Major League stars of tomorrow in the Midwest League's annual exhibition game between the Eastern and Western divisions. Past MWL All-Stars include Greg Maddux, Alex Rodriguez, Dontrelle Willis, and Albert Pujols, who was a MWL All-Star the last time the Cougars hosted the midsummer classic in 2000.

Fans can join in on the action as early as Monday evening, when the Cougars host a special night of food and entertainment at Elfstrom Stadium that is open to the public. Beginning at 6 p.m., fans may enjoy a high-end dinner buffet featuring carving stations, pastas, salads, assorted desserts, soda and Miller Brewing products.

Local band Tributosaurus (www.tributosaurus.com), a cover band featuring Chicago-area musicians, will perform at approximately 7:30 p.m. The band's shows typically cover artists such as Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Chicago and Van Morrison.

Both the concert, as well as the all-you-can-eat buffet, are open to the public. Tickets for the buffet and concert are $60, while a concert-only ticket is priced at $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. Beverages will be available for purchase by those who are attending the concert, but not taking part in the buffet. A portion of all proceeds from the Monday night event will be donated to Ozzie's Outreach, the Cougars' 501 (c)3 charitable initiative.

Tuesday night's event, highlighted by the All-Star Game at 7 p.m., will include many fan-friendly events that will kick off shortly after the ballpark opens at 5 p.m. The first 2,000 fans through the gates receive a limited-edition All-Star Game T-Shirt, courtesy of Old Second Bank, Miller Brewing and Farmers Insurance. Beginning at 6 p.m., a unique on-field skills competition will involve several players, as well as lucky fans. At 6:20 p.m., spectators can take part in a special autograph session on the field. Following the game, fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks show choreographed to music by Melrose Pyrotechnics, plus a special run-the-bases opportunity after the fireworks show.

A commemorative Rawlings baseball, with Oakland A's green and gold stitching, will be used as part of the game. That night, fans can purchase the limited-edition baseball in the Cougars souvenir shop, along with unique All-Star Game apparel.

All-Star Game tickets are in high demand, and box seats have recently sold out. Both reserved seats ($12) and general admission lawn seating ($10), are still available! Fans can order tickets for the All-Star Game, as well as the Monday night event, by contacting the Cougars at (630) 232-8811, ordering online at www.kccougars.com, or by making a visit to the Cougars box office during business hours. Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles is the official host hotel for the 2007 Midwest League All-Star Game, and reservations can be made by calling the resort at (800) 474-3272.