American Association commissioner Miles Wolff announced that Rosemont, Ill., was granted an expansion membership in a unanimous vote of league directors on Tuesday, May 9. The club, owned by Steven Gluckstern and Shawn Hunter, will begin play in May 2018 in a new $55-million, 6,300-seat stadium.
Gluckstern was previously a co-owner of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders and Phoenix Coyotes. Hunter has prior sports experience as president of the Phoenix Coyotes, as well as AEG Sports and the Deportivo Chivas soccer club.
"With a superb new facility and strong ownership, Rosemont will be a tremendous addition to our league," Wolff commented. "We're excited to have another league member in the Chicagoland area, and look forward to bringing the American Association's exciting brand of baseball to Rosemont."
Beginning its 12th season on May 18, the independent American Association plays a 100-game regular season with clubs throughout the central United States and Canada.
The RailCats season opener is on Thursday, May 18 at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Paul Saints. Jared Shlensky and Austin Anderson bring you all 100 RailCats games this season on WEFM (95.9 FM) and online at railcatsbaseball.com.
Gary’s home opener is on Friday, May 26 vs. the Texas Airhogs. Friday’s game vs. the Airhogs is a Fifth Third Bank Fireworks Friday and features a free magnet schedule giveaway. The first 1,000 fans receive a free magnet schedule, courtesy of Great Lakes Orthopedics.
Fans can purchase tickets for RailCats home games by calling (219) 882-BALL or online at railcatsbaseball.com. The RailCats box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.