SOUTH BEND, IN – The Midwest League All-Star Week at Four Winds Field is shaping up to be a summer destination for baseball fans from around the country. In addition to the 55th Annual All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 18, the South Bend Cubs will host All-Star Fan Fest on Monday, June 17, that will feature the Home Run Derby, autograph sessions, and special appearances by the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Trophy and Clark the Cub. Tickets for both events go on sale at 12:00 p.m. on March 6 and are presented by Four Winds Casinos.
“We talk about making memories at Four Winds Field every day,” said Andrew T. Berlin, Owner and Chairman of the South Bend Cubs. “When it comes to the 2019 All-Star Game, people from all across the country will be talking about the unforgettable event held in South Bend, Indiana for years to come. This will simply be the most exciting and entertaining experience that fans, players, team owners, MLB scouts and the media have ever seen. And that’s why we’re certain the city of South Bend will not have to wait another 30 years to host it again.”
“I’ve been waiting nearly three decades to see these, the most-promising young professional ballplayers in the world, return to South Bend for an All-Star Game,” added Dick Nussbaum, President of the Midwest League. “As General Counsel, and now President for the League, I’ve also witnessed firsthand how this one prestigious game has evolved into an exciting multiple-day event. And if I know team-owner Andrew Berlin, he and South Bend Cubs Team President, Joe Hart, are going to establish a new benchmark for success when it comes to hosting it. This is a game that you and I, and a lot of MLB scouts, won’t want to miss.”
Fans purchasing tickets to Fan Fest will have an added incentive as proceeds from the event will go to one of five charities from around the region. When purchasing tickets in person, by phone, or online at SouthBendCubs.com, fans can choose between the following charities: Beacon Children’s Hospital, LOGAN Center, Pet Refuge, South Bend Education Foundation, or United Way of St. Joseph County.
“This event is as much about our community, as it’s about the All-Star game itself,” said South Bend Cubs Vice President and General Manager Nick Brown. “Historically, the week-long celebration is a terrific way to show new visitors what it’s like to live, work and play in the region that hosts the event. So, we can’t wait to prove that this is the greatest place in the American Midwest to live, work, and play.”
Fan Fest will feature autograph sessions with Major League Baseball Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins and Andre Dawson, along with Chicago Cubs legends Leon Durham, Randy Hundley, Mitch Williams, and Steve Trout. Members of the Midwest League East and West Division All-Star teams will also participate in the autograph sessions.
Making a special appearance at Fan Fest will be the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Trophy and mascot Clark the Cub. Fans will also want to arrive to both events early as the first 2,500 fans through the gates of Fan Fest and the first 5,000 fans through the gates of the All-Star Game will receive a limited-edition All-Star Game hat courtesy of Four Winds Casinos.
Prior to the Home Run Derby, fans can play catch on the field and following both events will be allowed to run the bases. Wayne Messmer, known for singing the National Anthem at Chicago Cubs games, will perform the Anthem prior to the game on June 18. Capping off the All-Star Game will be the biggest and grandest fireworks show in the history of the Midwest League’s summer classic.
Advanced ticket prices for the All-Star Game are $15 for field box tickets and $17 for dugout box. Lawn tickets are $11 but will only be available once the seating bowl has sold out. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as all ticket prices go up $1 on the day of the game. Tickets for Fan Fest are $10 for general admission. Specific seats will not be assigned, and fans can sit anywhere in the seating bowl and lawn.
Gates for Fan Fest open at 5:30 p.m. with the Home Run Derby set to blast off at 7:30 p.m. Participants of the Home Run Derby will be announced after the midseason All-Star rosters are announced in June. Gates for the All-Star Game open at 5:30 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 7:35 p.m. All times listed are in Eastern Time and subject to change.
