Bandits cut food prices, expand lineup for 2013

As baseball fans in the Quad Cities await the new sights, sounds and experiences that will highlight the 2013 River Bandits season, they can now anticipate new and more affordable tastes of summer at Modern Woodmen Park. The team is cutting the prices on a wide menu of food items and giving fans several new options at the ballpark concession stands for the upcoming season.

As the Midwest League club begins a new affiliation with the Houston Astros and begins work on major new improvements to the ballpark, including a new Ferris wheel and zip lines, the River Bandits are also upgrading the dining selections while making ballpark meals even more affordable.

"Each year, we seek to deliver new entertainment options and better entertainment value to the great fans in the Quad Cities, and we are also delighted to offer more variety in our menu options while also making them more affordable," said team owner Dave Heller. "With the ballpark additions, River Bandits fans will enjoy added value for the same ticket prices, and they will also have new and more affordable food options for a memorable, family-friendly experience at Modern Woodmen Park."

The River Bandits announced the team will be holding the line on ticket prices across the board this season. In addition, the team will be cutting food prices on a wide range of menu offerings, including footlong hot dogs and brats, polish sausages, chicken tenders, the taco plate, and both french fries and chili cheese fries. The team will also be cutting prices on some beverages, including wine and lemonade, and a wide range of dessert options, including Root Beer floats, cotton candy, kettle corn and the lemon chill cup.

Among the highlights are new varieties of traditional ballpark fare, including a Cheddarwurst, Foot-long Corn Dog and a Bacon-wrapped Corn Dog. Fans can also build meals around the new Philly Cheese Steak Wrap or Taco Plate with two tacos, beans and rice. For families and especially large appetites, the River Bandits will even offer three options of whole pizzas - Pepperoni, Sausage or Meatlovers (both Pepperoni and Sausage) Pizza.

The new snack options include Seasoned Spiral Fries and a Souvenir Helmet full of popcorn. In addition, local favorite Whitey's will be at the ballpark for the first time in years as they offer a $3 Ice Cream Malt Cup.

"The River Bandits are extremely excited to be offering more for our fans in all areas of the Modern Woodmen Park experience, and the new and more affordable food options are important to enhancing that value," said General Manager Harold Craw. "River Bandits fans will have new and more affordable food options for the entire family, and they will enjoy the benefits starting on Opening Day."

The River Bandits will have a running start to the season with the first-ever Bandits Race to Home 5K on Saturday, April 6, before the 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday, April 11. The River Bandits season opens at Kane County Thursday, April 4.

UP NEXT: Now is the time to lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Anyone who makes a deposit on a 2013 ticket plan through Friday, Feb. 22, will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a night for 10 people in the new and improved Rascal's Den! Call 563-324-3000 for more information or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will be making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, will open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new affiliate, and the chance to see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. This season will be one every fan will not want to miss!