Fans of the Thunder Bay Border Cats are going to be able to get a lot closer to the action in 2013.
Drawing on the success of other Northwoods League teams, the ballclub is putting the finishing touches on their Home Plate Club, a 32-seat VIP section situated directly on the field that includes a evening of catered food.
Team owner Brad Jorgenson said eight of the comfortable bar-stool seats have already been snapped up for the season.
“The view is great and they will be the best seats in the house,” said Jorgenson, less than three weeks before the Cats scheduled home opener.
“What you get for that is your ticket to get in and food, that will be catered by Daytona’s, for $30 a spot.”
It’s an idea whose time had come, added Jorgenson, always looking for new ways to entertain the Border Cats faithful at Port Arthur Stadium.
“I think every year it’s good for everyone to see that we’re adding to the facility, growing the business, putting stuff back into the business. It’s just something new for the park.”
The costs for the upgrade to the city-owned facility are being covered by the team, which has worked out a sponsorship deal with North American Lumber to provide most of the materials.
“We’re just really looking forward to getting it going here. We’ve been delayed quite a bit by the snow. But we should have it done by the end of the week and I think it will be a real popular spot.”
Jorgenson said the home plate club will be completely netted off, eliminating any danger from foul balls or flying bats.
Tickets for the home plate club will be sold in advance, though Jorgenson did say if available, they’ll also be sold at the box office on game days.
Cat tracks: Jorgenson said the team is still looking to place about six players through its billet program. That's down from about 15 a couple of weeks ago. The Cats owner said the league rosters have expanded to 30 this season, up from 26 a year ago.
