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From a new owner to a new president, the South Bend Silver Hawks said they're knocking it out of ballpark when it comes to ticket sales.
Attendance levels to this point in the season have already doubled what they saw this time last year.
If you’ve been to a game, you can feel it. There’s a very positive energy surrounding the Silver Hawks this year, and the reinvented stadium definitely plays a role in attracting the bigger crowds.
On Wednesday, crews were replacing the bleachers with seats, another new addition to the stadium.
The numbers are great to date, but the challenge now is keeping fans coming back.
Food, Fun, Fireworks.
It seems to be the no-fail recipe to a crowd of happy fans.
"It’s becoming family oriented,” said Silver Hawks President Joe Hart. It’s very much a family entertainment destination."
For 25 years, this South Bend landmark has hoped to take center stage in the city. But America's favorite pastime has been struggling there until now.
"Now is when we're hitting the best part of our season too, schools out the weather is nice, we expect the numbers to climb," Hart said.
The city has invested $9 million into the place over the past few years and the new owner of the Silver Hawks, Andrew Berlin, threw in $2 million of his own.
But does this stadium have the power to renew downtown's dying image?
Since the stadium opened in 1987, the Cove has yet to turn a profit for the city.
Joe hart, the president of the Silver Hawks, is confident times are changing.
"The city has been a great partner of ours and they’ve helped us, but we want to give back to the city too," Hart said.
"I’d really like to see a bigger return on the investment with regards to the stadium,” said South Bend Common Councilman Dave Varner.
Varner voted against using city money for this latest round of renovation.
Varner is impressed with the progress but questions, what happens if or when the initial wow factor dies down?
He says we shouldn't jump the gun on this success story just yet.
"How that plays out in year 2, 3, 4 and 5 will have to do with how good Berlin is at recreating the atmosphere to keep people there.” Varner said.
