Upcoming July Events

Venezuelan Olympic series set to begin July 15

Elgin, Ill. – In what has become an annual tradition, the Chicago Bandits will square off once again with the Venezuelan Olympic Softball team. The five game series will begin July 15 @ 7:05 pm at Bandits Stadium on the campus of Judson University.

The Venezuelan National team is no stranger to the Chicago Bandits. In fact, these two teams have had a healthy rivalry every year since the Bandits’ inception in 2005. Last season the Chicago Cubs’ very own Carlos Zambrano took time out of his schedule to cheer his native countries’ team. Zambrano also decided to step up to the plate against one of Venezuela’s pitchers and proceeded to whiff on nine straight pitches, much to the delight of the sold out Bandits’ crowd.

In the 2008 series the Bandits made it a clean sweep by winning all four games against the Venezuelan National team. Coming off their 2008 appearance in the Beijing Olympics, the Venezuelan team should have more experience to build on as the 2009 series approaches.

Tickets for this home stand are $8 (Outfield), $10 (1B line) and $20 (VIP), and each night of the July home stand will feature different exciting promotions.

July 15 – Christmas in July Toy Drive & Dog Day - To celebrate Christmas in July, the Bandits will be holding a new toy drive for the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. Fans that bring a new toy to donate will be able to purchase one admission and receive one free admission on a walk-up ticket. We ask toys be nonviolent, for children between newborn and eighteen years, unwrapped, and in their original packaging. More Holiday cheer will be spread throughout the evening with games, contests, and maybe even a visit from the big man himself!

There are some rules and restrictions for Dog Day, so please read the “Christmas is going to the Dogs” story on www.chicagobandits.com or call 877.722.6348 for more information and to get the downloadable release form needed to enter the park – if you’re bringing your dog – on that day.

July 16 – Canned Food Drive – Any fan that brings a canned food item to donate will get in for 20 percent off the outfield seat ticket price of $8.

July 17 – Taylor Hooten Foundation Night - Taylor Hooton was a 6"2' 180 pound junior varsity pitcher like most high school kids, hoping to make the varsity team and earn a college scholarship to continue playing baseball. At Plano West High School, Hooton's baseball coach gave him one simple request to in order to earn a spot on the varsity roster: put on 20 pounds. Taylor began taking steroids and from that point on, his life took a horrifying downward spiral. Even after Taylor stopped doping, the withdrawal effects caused him to suffer from depression and one day, Taylor tied two belts together and hung himself. Taylor Hooton is not alone among high school athletes hoping to play at the next level. Between five and six percent of high school students-which is between 800,000 and one million-students take steroids. On this night, the Bandits and Taylor Hooten Foundation will team up to make fans more aware of the dangers of steroids.

The Friday night game will also be FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS!, with an impressive showing of fireworks after the game.

July 18 – All-American Girls Night – They’re back! The original All-American Girls are returning for the fifth straight year to the Bandits ballpark. You’ve seen the movie “A League of their Own,” now meet the real women the movie was based on! Last season, the All-American Girls came and threw out the first pitch, sang the national anthem and signed autographs on the party deck before taking in the excitement of the Bandits. Don’t miss your chance to meet members of the original All-American Girls.

July 19 – Olympic Day / Scholarship Sunday / Kids Day – Once again it is Olympic Day at the Bandits. Join us as we celebrate the highest level of competition in sport. Last season our very own Olympians, as well as the Venezuelan Olympic Team, celebrated the joys of Olympic competition with a pregame ceremony and first pitch responsibilities. This season we’re working on involving Olympians in all sports, so join us as we celebrate the highest level of competition!

Hurry up and book your tickets today for the Venezuelan Olympic series by logging on to www.chicagobandits.com and clicking the tickets tab, or by calling 877-7BANDIT (877-722-6348).