The document discusses the success and accomplishments of the Kane County Cougars minor league baseball team. It notes that in 2014, the Cougars had over 420,000 fans attend games, won the Midwest League Championship for the first time since 2001 with a franchise record 91 wins, and were named the 2014 Minor League Baseball Team of the Year. The Cougars are also highlighted for their community outreach programs and as the only affiliated minor league team located near Chicago.
1. “I think regardless of the level or the
classification, this is one of the marquee
franchises in Minor League Baseball”
Pat O’Conner
President
Minor League Baseball
WHY THE KANE COUNTY COUGARS...
Creating a Triple A Experience with a Single A Team.
2. It was 1991 and the baseball season was approaching when the Kane County Cougars shocked the Minor League community
by moving their franchise from quiet Wausau, Wisconsin into the shadow of two Major League teams in Chicago. Could
a struggling franchise revive itself by operating within shouting distance of the Cubs and White Sox? Would Cougar fans
display support in this new environment? Throughout the years, the statistics have spoken a truth, which reveals a team
revived, with their loyal fans ever present.
The Cougars continue to set a standard of excellence both on and off the field. In 2013, the Cougars welcomed their 10 millionth
fan in franchise history, becoming the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to reach the historic figure. As the
only team with a Major League affiliation in Chicagoland, the Cougars have proven for 24 years that there is no better place
for affordable and family-friendly fun while seeing future big league stars.
IT’S ABOUT THE FANS!
3. FANS FIRST - BY THE NUMBERS
Triple-A Fan Base
in a
Class-A League
In 2014, a total of 421,971 fans attended Cougars games at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. The Cougars’ regular season attendance
total of 415,571 fans was the 23rd highest among the 160 U.S. teams in Minor League Baseball and placed the Cougars, a
Class-A team, above nearly every other Class-A or Double-A club and among several of the top Triple-A teams.
2014 Overall Club Rank
By Total Regular Season Attendance
1. Charlotte Knights (AAA) 687,715 71 9,686
2. Indianapolis Indians (AAA) 660,289 70 9,433
3. Columbus Clippers (AAA) 628,980 70 8,985
4. Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) 614,888 68 9,042
5. Sacramento River Cats (AAA) 607,839 71 8,561
6. Round Rock Express (AAA) 595,700 71 8,390
7. Dayton Dragons (A) 573,709 68 8,437
8. Louisville Bats (AAA) 567,256 71 7,990
9. Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA) 564,625 70 8,066
10. El Paso Chihuahuas 560,997 71 7,901
11. Toledo Mud Hens (AAA) 545,265 71 7,680
12. Buffalo Bisons (AAA) 535,275 66 8,110
13. Durham Bulls (AAA) 533,033 70 7,615
14. Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA) 515,665 70 7,367
15. Iowa Cubs (AAA) 492,060 70 7,029
16. Salt Lake Bees (AAA) 470,565 70 6,722
17. Fresno Grizzlies (AAA) 467,862 69 6,781
18. Frisco RoughRiders (AA) 449,773 68 6,614
19. Birmingham Barons (AA) 437,612 70 6,252
20. Oklahoma City RedHawks (AAA) 429,190 71 6,045
21. Rochester Red Wings (AAA) 422,454 66 6,401
22. Richmond Flying Squirrels (AA) 418,147 66 6,336
23. Kane County Cougars (A) 415,571 69 6,023
..........
..........
159. Beloit Snappers (A) 63,505 65 977
160. Dunedin Blue Jays (A) 60,044 67 896
“Most families can still afford a night at a Minor League ballpark with reason-
ably priced tickets, special games and giveaways, ballpark food & beverage and
exciting professional baseball.” – Associated Press
93%
57%
98%
CLASS - A
DOUBLE - A
TRIPLE - A
Cougars outdrew
98% of teams in
total attendance.
Cougars outdrew
93% of teams in
total attendance.
Cougars outdrew
57% of teams in
total attendance.
AverageTotal
Home
Games
4. FANS... Where do they come from?
Cougars “Top 40” Cities based on ticket buying information, which includes individual
buyers, group outings, season ticket & package holders.
1. Naperville
2. Aurora
3. St. Charles
4. Wheaton
5. Geneva
6. Elgin
7. Chicago
8. Batavia
9. Oswego
10. Plainfield
11. Downers Grove
12. Glen Ellyn
13. Carol Stream
14. Bartlett
15. Lombard
16. West Chicago
17. Bolingbrook
18. Montgomery
19. Algonquin
20. South Elgin
21. Lisle
22. Elmhurst
23. Lake in the Hills
24. North Aurora
25. Yorkville
26. Huntley
27. Woodridge
28. Schaumburg
29. Palatine
30. Winfield
31. Arlington Heights
32. DeKalb
33. Cary
34. Elburn
35. Villa Park
36. Darien
37. Addison
38. Sycamore
39. Woodstock
40. Hoffman Estates
Kane County Cougars • 34w002 Cherry Lane • Geneva, IL 60134 • 630-232-8811 • kccougars.com
5. • 98-49 overall record (.666 winning percentage), leading all of Major and
Minor League Baseball in total wins
• 13-game winning streak
• A team ERA of 2.85
• 54-17 regular season home record
• 1st half and 2nd half Western Division champions
• Winner of the Minor League Baseball Award (“MiLBY”) as 2014 Team of the Year
In 2014, the Kane County Cougars won the Midwest League championship after compiling a season filled
with numerous achievements and on-field accomplishments. The Cougars’ regular season record of 91-49
was a franchise best and the team went a perfect 7-0 in the postseason. In October, the Cougars received
special recognition by Minor League Baseball as the 2014 Cougars squad was named the “Best Team of
2014” in the Minor League Baseball (“MiLBY”) awards. The Cougars received a double honor as Kane
County, among a nine-team field, won both fan voting and MiLB.com staff voting in the best team category.
The Cougars set the following franchise records in 2014:
In addition to the above accolades and records, Cougars manager Mark
Johnson was named Midwest League Manager of the Year. Pitchers Tyler
Skulina and Nathan Dorris combined for the 8th no-hitter in franchise history,
while at least one Cougars player received a monthly organizational award as
Minor League Pitcher or Player of the Month for four straight months. Only
three other Minor League Baseball teams in the past decade have won more
games in a single season than the 2014 Kane County Cougars.
IT’S ABOUT THE BASEBALL
6. In September 2014, the Cougars announced a Capital Improvement Project to further modernize the Cougars’
home at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark beginning in 2015, the Cougars’ 25th anniversary season.
In time for the 2015 season, a new, high-definition videoboard will be installed at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark,
providing an enhancement of the in-game fan experience with various promotions, game action, video re-
plays and more. The Cougars will also construct a permanent music pavilion to be used for gameday events
such as the Cougars’ Ballpark Concert Series, as well as non-gameday events. The Cougars have announced
an agreement with 4Topps Premium Seating to construct a premium seating area on the lower-seating bowl
area of the ballpark. This new premium seating area, to be located behind home plate will provide a unique
gameday experience, complete with waitress service while offering the ability to cater towards multiple-size
groups, including individuals.
Finally, the Cougars will be constructing a new batting cage, complete with two hitting tunnels. The climate-
controlled cage will also house an expanded Cougars’ weight room and a state-of-the-art video room, allowing
convenient access for field staff to develop and evaluate players.
IT’S ABOUT THE BALLPARK:
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
7. • The Cougars, Class-A farm team of the Arizona Diamondbacks, are the
only Major League affiliated minor league team in the Chicago area.
• A total of 421,971 fans attended Cougars games in 2014 – the largest single
season attendance total for the franchise since 2010.
• The Cougars continue to thrive in a competitive Chicago media market with
multiple news outlets covering the organization on a daily basis.
• The Cougars became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history
to reach 10 million fans.
• Theme nights in 2014 brought fan excitement to a high level this season as
fans participated in Star Wars Night, Princess Night, Bark in the Park and
many other special event nights.
• The Cougars organization will celebrate their 25th anniversary season in 2015.
• Among many team accomplishments, the Cougars won the Midwest League
Championship for the first time since 2001. The team’s 91 regular season wins
broke a franchise record set by the 2001 championship squad. Only three
other Minor League Baseball teams in the past decade have won more overall
games in a single season.
• The Cougars assisted non-profit organizations including churches, schools,
outing groups and others with charitable donations for fundraising events.
When the 2014 calendar year closes, the Cougars will have assisted more
than 2,000 non-profit organizations through donations of ticket vouchers,
memorabilia and gift certificates.
• New in 2014, the Cougars introduced a “Ballpark Concert Series”, bringing
popular bands to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark for a pre-game concert. In 2015,
the Cougars will host another series of concerts to take place before select
Saturday games.
• In September 2014, the Cougars announced a series of capital improvement
projects to further modernize the Cougars’ home at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark
beginning in 2015. Those projects include a new hi-definition videoboard,
batting cage with video and weight rooms, Cougars Cultural Park with a
permanent music pavilion, and premium seating area behind home plate on
the concourse level.
• As a year-round venue, Fifth Third Bank Ballpark can accommodate numerous
events throughout the year such as formal events, trade shows, conferences
and meetings.
• Attendance has averaged nearly 450,000 per season for the past 10 years,
while also averaging approximately 7,000 fans per game for the past 10 seasons.
• The fireworks shows, premium item giveaways and memories are all FREE.
• More than 1.5 million children and 5,000 schools have participated in Ozzie’s Reading
Club in the past 10 years, in an effort to promote literacy in the community.
• 500 participants took part in Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K, with proceeds
benefiting the Ozzie’s Scholars reading scholarship program.
• A total of 128 former Cougars have played in the Major Leagues. The list includes
World Series champions, Major League All-Stars and MVP award winners.
• Providing the very best affordable, family, G-rated entertainment to the Chicago
area since 1991.
• Some of top Cougars alumni currently playing in the Major Leagues include
Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers), Adrian Gonzalez (Los Angeles Dodgers), Andre
Ethier (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Huston Street (Los Angeles Angels).
• Cougars mascot Ozzie T. Cougar and Cougars players visit more than 100
locations throughout the community to lend a helping hand each season.
QUICK FACTS
34w002 Cherry Lane
Geneva, IL 60134
630-232-8811 • kccougars.com
8. Cougars games are regarded as a terrific destination
for your group outing. Whether it’s just the family or
an event for your business, social club or organization,
the Cougars have all the bases covered. Fifth Third
Bank Ballpark is the ultimate destination for group
fun - we have more than 20 different catered party
areas including outfield decks, rooftop party decks, a
Super Suite banquet room and private party suites.
Groups between 20 and 5,000 people can find a
home here for the best in entertainment, customer
service and hospitality.
Fifth Third Bank Ballpark is also a year-round destination
for group events such as fundraisers, holiday parties, busi-
ness meetings and seminars, weddings and much more.
HOSPITALITY
SPONSORSHIP
Virtually any type of business with any size mar-
keting budget can promote their products and
services to the large base of Cougars fans, as more
than 400,000 fans attended a Cougars game in
2014. A marketing relationship with the Cougars
also creates an association between your brand
and the Cougars, outstanding reputation for value
and service in the Chicagoland market.
Marketing options can include a multiple season or
single-season sponsorship including, but not limited
to, permanent stadium signage or a branded on-field
promotion. Your business can also look at a single-
game marketing option such as product sampling,
digital activation elements or a branded souvenir
giveaway item.
At each Cougars game, our captive audience is
exposed to your message for more than 3 hours in
one sitting. Let us get creative and we’ll customize
a campaign to make your product stand out with a
unique promotion.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Kane County Cougars organization strives to main-
tain their commitment to serving communities through-
outChicagoland.The2014seasonofCougarsbaseballin-
cluded numerous examples of that philosophy as Ozzie’s
Outreach Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation
provided a variety of charitable and educational services.
This past season, nearly 150,000 students improved
their reading skills through Ozzie’s Reading Club, the
Cougars’ reading incentive program. The Cougars
awarded a total of twelve $1,000 scholarships to past
and current members of Ozzie’s Reading Club through
the Ozzie’s Scholars program. a total of 500 participants
took part in Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K, with pro-
ceeds benefiting the Ozzie’s Scholars program.
In-season charity initiatives enabled the Cougars to do-
nate to a variety of worthy causes in the Chicagoland
area including Tri-City Family Services, Lazarus House
and the Dempster Family Foundation, among many
others. Each year, the Cougars assist hundreds of non-
profit organizations through the donation of game tick-
ets and memorabilia. Ozzie T. Cougar along with Cou-
gars players make numerous visits to events, schools,
hospitals and festivals each season.
9. As the only minor league team with a Major League
affiliation in Chicagoland, there is absolutely no better
place to see future big league stars. More than 120
former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues
– the list includes World Series champions, Major
League All-Stars and MVP Award winners. Some of
our alumni include Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez,
Ryan Dempster and Josh Beckett.
The Cougars won a franchise-best 91 games during the
2014 regular season while going a perfect 7-0 in the
postseason to win the Midwest League Championship
for the first time since 2001. The Cougars led all of
Minor League Baseball (160+ teams) for most wins in
a season and for the entire regular season, also led
Major League Baseball for most wins.
In 2014, the Cougars continued to thrive in a com-
petitive media market. Multiple newspapers contin-
ue to cover the Cougars games on a day-by-day basis
while Cougars players and front office staff were fea-
tured in television and radio coverage this season.
The Cougars doubled their social media reach on
Facebook this past year and now have more than
20,000 ‘likes’. In 2013, the Cougars created a Google
virtual tour of Fifth Third Bank Ballpark to give fans
an in-depth look at navigating the ballpark online.
The Cougars became the first Minor League Base-
ball team to incorporate this new Google technology.
MEDIA
BASEBALL
Kane County Cougars • 34w002 Cherry Lane • Geneva, IL 60134 • 630-232-8811 • kccougars.com
Creating a Triple A Experience with a Single A Team.