The Kane County Cougars organization has announced its 2012 game and promotional schedule, inclusive of game times, opponents, entertainment and theme nights. A complete game and promotional schedule is available at www.kccougars.com.

The Cougars open the season on Thursday evening, April 5 against Quad Cities on the road.  Upon the conclusion of the three-game series in Davenport, the Cougars return to Geneva for their home opener, a Monday, April 9 matchup set for 1 p.m. against Beloit.

Many popular theme nights will return in 2012 including Halfway to Halloween, Jimmy Buffett Night, Heroes and Villains Night, Harry Potter Night and Star Wars Night and two evenings for “Bark in the Park”. New this year, the Cougars will introduce a “Decades Series” that pay homage to the ’60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s on select dates.

 Long-time White Sox organist Nancy Faust will bring her talents to Elfstrom Stadium and play at nine regular season games in 2012 – every Sunday home game beginning on May 13. Faust was welcomed to Elfstrom Stadium for a game last August, was presented with a Cougars jersey and ceremonial first pitch before the game, and drew the praises of many fans for her renditions of classic hits such as “Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye”, as well as modern tunes. May 13 will also be the first “Sunday Funday” of 2012 as pre-selected Sunday games will give families the opportunity to enjoy interactive events such as face painters, balloon artists, and other fun activities geared towards children inside the ballpark. All of these activities are free for fans who attend select “Sunday Funday” games.

Faust will also lend her skills at this year’s Midwest League All-Star Game, which will be hosted by the Cougars on June 19. The entertainment that evening also includes the Zooperstars and the Jesse White Tumblers. In addition to seeing some of minor league baseball’s biggest prospects and future big league stars that evening, fans will also be treated to a post-game fireworks show and Fan Fest that afternoon that will precede the game.

A total of 29 fireworks shows will light up the sky following Cougars games, the first of which is set for Friday, May 11, coinciding with the Cougars’ “Halfway to Halloween” theme night. Special entertainers will make frequent stops at Elfstrom Stadium next season including the Zooperstars, Birdzerk, Myron Noodleman and Quick Change. Fans will also see several new entertainment acts for the July 14-15 weekend homestand: David “No Way” Burlet on July 14 and the Russian Bar Trio on July 15.  Holidays at Elfstrom Stadium include home dates for Mother’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, Father’s Day, Independence Day as well as Labor Day weekend. The September 3 Labor Day holiday game at 1 p.m. closes the regular season.

Weeknight specials begin in June and include half-price Mondays ($5 reserved seat tickets and $4 lawn tickets), 2-sdays ($2 food and drink specials, including $2 kids tickets) and Winning Wednesdays (the first 1,500 adults age 21 and older receive a scratch-off card eligible for various prizes). 

 Single-game ticket prices remain the same in 2012, marking the fourth straight season without a price increase for individual tickets. Tickets for most games start at just $8.

“Ever since the 2011 season came to a close in September, our staff has worked extremely hard in planning the 2012 schedule. Fans will look towards next season with a great deal of anticipation as we are featuring numerous entertainment acts and promotional nights at the ballpark,” Cougars General Manager Curtis Haug said. “We can’t wait to provide fans with the best in affordable and family-friendly fun beginning with Opening Day on April 9.”