Name the Bandits' mascot
On Wednesday, the organization teamed up with GCO Flooring Outlet to announce a "Name the Mascot" contest in conjunction with WQAD NewsChannel 8 and the Dispatch/Argus. Seen in the image on the following page, the new mascot is fashioned after the playful and mischievous raccoon that is the focal point of the team's new logo and identity. The raccoon will feature a black fedora with a red hatband along with the signature red bandana. He will wear a jersey similar to that worn by River Bandits players during home games at Modern Woodmen Park.
"GCO is thrilled to be involved with the 'Name the Mascot' contest for the all-new Quad Cities River Bandits," said Janelle Langan, owner of GCO Flooring Outlet."This new ball club is incredible for Davenport and the entire QCA community."
"Our fans did a great job picking the name of the team, so we thought it made perfect sense for them to pick the name of the mascot that will be representing it as well," said team owner Dave Heller. "This is their team and the River Bandits represent their community. So, we're going to have our fans decide."
The contest will take place in two phases, similar to the fall's "Your Team, Your Name" contest. It begins on Wednesday with an open write-in period that will last until March 7. Fans can submit their suggestions for the new mascot's name by sending an email to [email protected], or going to any of the following websites: www.riverbandits.com, www.wqad.com, or www.qconline.com. Walk-in entries will also be accepted at all area GCO Flooring Outlet locations, Modern Woodmen Park, the WQAD NewsChannel 8 studios, and the Dispatch/Argus offices.
After the suggestions are whittled down to a list of finalists, fans will once again have the chance to vote on the remaining names through the same avenues. The final voting period will be open from March 10-21, and the new mascot will be unveiled to the public in late March, live on WQAD NewsChannel 8.
"We are excited to have such a strong community partner in GCO Flooring Outlet to sponsor this event," said Vice President Kirk Goodman. "Interacting with the community is very important to us. The more input we get from our fans the easier it is for us to provide the best service we possibly can for them. This team is all about the fans, and we want them to know that we value their opinion, feedback, and insight."
ABOUT THE RIVER BANDITS: After an off-season full of upgrades, the Quad Cities River Bandits will open the 2008 campaign at Modern Woodmen Park on April 3! Merchandise featuring the new team name and logo is currently available by visiting the Modern Woodmen Park team store, and season ticket packages, mini-packages, and the all-new You-Pick-10 Plan are on sale at the park or by calling (563) 3-BANDIT!