Better players, more promotions, and upgraded facilities - that's what River Bandits owner Dave Heller is promising fans when the team opens its home season Tuesday night.
He says ticket sales have been "brisk."
"You go 614 days without baseball, I think people are excited to see it, I think there's a pent up demand for it, and I certainly am excited to welcome everyone back to the ballpark, that's for sure."
Major League Baseball is requiring fans to wear masks in Modern Woodmen Park, and seats in the first couple of rows, close to the field and dugout, cannot be sold.
Heller says one of the best features of the new season will be the players - the River Bandits have moved up from being a Low-A minor league team, to High-A, and are now affiliated with the Kansas City Royals.
"For example, the first pitcher drafted in the entire draft in 2020 was drafted by the Kansas City Royals and he is starting his career right here in Quad Cities. If we were a low-A team we would have missed him entirely."
Asa Lacy was the Royals' first pick, and overall number four, in last year's draft.
He's also spent a lot of money on technology - more than 50,000 dollars for high definition cameras to supply video for the new scoreboard. It's 36 feet tall and 42 feet wide. There's also a new ribbon board in right field - it's seven feet tall and 82 feet long.
Heller also wants to bring fans back with what he calls the "biggest and best promotions ever" - including more giveaways and more nights with fireworks after the game.
The River Bandits will host Cedar Rapids Tuesday night at Modern Woodmen Park.
