Turn Back the Clock Night Tonight in Peoria

The Peoria Chiefs (Single-A, Midwest League) will turn the clock back tonight to the 1900s, when the Peoria Distillers played ball in the historic Three-I League.  The team will honor the Distillers by sporting custom jerseys and hats, as they take on the Beloit Snappers.  The first 1000 fans (21 & up) take home a special Distillers whiskey glass.  Read more here.

 

Chiefs Promote Mott to GM, Announce Front Office Changes

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs announced the promotion of Jason Mott to the vacant General Manager position while also announcing promotions and additions in the front office staff as the 2017 season approaches.

Chiefs, Cardinals Renew PDC

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals have announced the signing of a four-year extension of the player development contract (PDC) that will run through the 2020 season.

Chiefs to Unveil New Video Board in August

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs have partnered with TS Sports in Dallas, Texas to install a brand new, state-of-the-art Lighthouse HD10 LED Video Board at Dozer Park. The new board will be installed and ready to go for the Chiefs August 17-23 homestand.

Peoria Chiefs Icon Dies at 87

Pete Vonachen, the icon of the Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League), and former owner of the club, passed away on Monday.  He was 87.  Fans, players, managers, friends, and family members paid tribute to Vonachen during Monday’s game at Dozer Park.  Read more here.  View press release here.  To get to know Vonachen better, watch his tribute to Harry Caray, his lifelong friend.

Logo Unveiled for Peoria’s Dozer Park

As the new naming rights partner for the home of the Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest league), heavy-equipment giant Caterpillar Inc. has unveiled their logo for “Dozer Park.”  Read more here.

Chiefs Stadium Renamed (Bull)Dozer Park, Caterpillar Naming Rights Partner for 10 Years

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs and Caterpillar Inc. have announced the renaming of Peoria Chiefs Stadium to “Dozer Park” effective immediately. The agreement is part of a 10-year $2 million investment by Caterpillar in the naming rights for the ballpark in partnership with the Chiefs.

City Council Approves Restructuring Plan for Peoria Chiefs

As a follow up to our post last week about the proposed plan to bail out the financially struggling Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League), the Peoria (IL) City Council on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the $7 million debt restructuring package by a vote of 9-1.  Read more here.

City, CAT, Banks Step Up to Save Chiefs

The financially struggling Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League) could be saved with a $7-million restructuring plan that includes forgiveness of bond payments to the city, the purchase of ballpark naming rights by heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, Inc., loan reduction by banks, increased investment by team owners, and higher fees for Bradley University to use the facility.  The deal must

Facing Money Troubles, Chiefs Look to Refinance Ballpark and Lower Property Taxes

The Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League) have been late paying property taxes on their privately owned stadium because of a “cash flow issue.”  To better manage the financials, the Chiefs are looking to refinance more than $4 million left on its mortgage to take advantage of low interest rates.  The city will also consider lowering the property taxes on the facility.  Read more and view news clip here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

Peoria Chiefs Get New Caps, Jerseys for 2013

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs have unveiled their new look for the 2013 season with three new jerseys and three new hats as the team ushers in a new era and their renewed affiliation with the St. Louis Cardinals. Hats are currently for sale in the Online Store

Peoria Ballpark by the Numbers

We are not sure what inspired a story outlining the financials for construction and operation of O’Brien Field, home of the Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League) built in 2002, but Bill Knight from TheCommunityWord.com provides an enlightening financial breakdown and quotes from Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich about the project.  Read more here and here.

Chiefs, Cardinals Sign New PDC

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals have announced that the two clubs have reached a four-year PDC agreement which reunites the former affiliation partners. The Chiefs were a Cardinals affiliate from 1995 to 2004 making the playoffs four times and winning their lone Midwest League Championship

Mainers Name New Director of Broadcasting

The New England Collegiate Baseball League’s Sanford (ME) Mainers have named Josh Koebert as the club’s new Director of Broadcasting and Media for the 2011 season.  Koebert worked as a communications intern for the Single-A Peoria (IL) Chiefs last season and had the opportunity to broadcast from Wrigley Field during a special Midwest League game.  He is a junior at Bradley University in Peoria.  Read more here.

Chiefs Announce New Technology for 2011 Season

PRESS RELEASE – With the 2011 season rapidly approaching the Peoria Chiefs are thrilled to announce a handful of brand new technologies available to their fans. Among the new technologies to be unveiled throughout the Peoria Chiefs organization as the 2011 season starts are: Online Streaming Radio Station, Peoria Chiefs App for smart phones and iPads, a SMART board in the Bradfield’s Conference

Chiefs Announce Media Madness Bobble Head Contest

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs have announced the official first round matchups and bracket for their Media Madness Bobble Head Contest Presented by CEFCU. The contest kicks off on Monday and features 25 of the best media members in radio, TV and print throughout Central Illinois.

Creating ‘O’Brienville’?

John Sharp from the Peoria Journal Star takes a look at the development of restuarants, taverns, and entertainment venues around a number of minor league ballparks to illustrate the potential for redevelopment and revitalization around eight-year-old O’Brien Field, home of the Single-A Peoria (IL) Chiefs.  Wrigleyville, and the parks in Lansing (MI), Montgomery (AL), and Burlington (IA) are

Chiefs Announce Action-Packed Promo Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs have announced their Entertainment Lives Here! promotional schedule for the upcoming 2010 season which includes some old fan favorites along with some exciting new additions.