Peoria Stop of the Cubs Caravan...

[ChiefsVoice]

Jan 12th the Cubs Caravan will stop in Peoria. While the venue will not be set in stone until late next week, I can tell you that a couple of prominent 2005 Chiefs will be joining the Cubs players, coaches, broadcasters and former players on the Peoria stop. (From what I've seen our lineup will be better overall than last years)

 

The site, ticket locations and autograph policies (as mandated by Cubs, not us) will be set next week. I just wanted those in the area to be able to clear Thursday night Jan 12 on their calendars to join us in downtown Peoria to kick off 2006.

 

Check out the website for the official release next week, most likely Thursday or Friday and I will also come back and post it here.

 

Thanks

Nathan

[ChiefsVoice]

PEORIA, IL— The Chicago Cubs and Peoria Chiefs have announced that the Cubs Caravan is returning to Peoria on Thursday, January 12, 2006 at the RiverPlex and will again be highlighted by Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.

Sandberg appeared at the Caravan in 2005 and returns along with Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry, Director of Player Development Oneri Fleita, pitchers Rich Hill, Bob Howry and Michael Wuertz, catcher Michael Barrett, radio announcer Pat Hughes and third base coach Chris Speier. Also joining the Cubs personnel for this leg of the Caravan is Chiefs pitcher Sean Gallagher who was selected to the 2005 Midwest League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star teams and named the Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

The event at the RiverPlex will begin at 5:45 PM with doors opening at 4:30 PM. All Cubs personnel will sign ONLY 200 autographs each. Each person attending the Caravan will be given a lottery ticket, chosen at random, entering the facility. This ticket will indicate the line they should enter to receive an autograph. This policy has been set by the Chicago Cubs and will be strictly enforced.

Following the 45-minute autograph session, the program will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. The program will include a question and answer segment with the Cubs players and front office members, videos highlighting the Cubs and Chiefs 2005 seasons, ticket information for the Cubs and Chiefs, information on the Cubs and Chiefs Booster Clubs and a dinner. Tickets are available at O’Brien Field, Bergners locations at Sheridan Village and Pekin, Sports Corner in Peoria Heights, Brunk’s Sports Center in Washington, Bartonville Bank, and Morton Community Bank for $15.00 each. No tickets will be sold at the door. All proceeds from the event go to the Cubs Boosters benefiting local Little League programs. Hot dogs, chips, beer and soda will be served at the RiverPlex.

Parking for the event at the RiverPlex will be limited. Event goers are encouraged to use the A2 CAT lot located on the corner of Hamilton and Water after 5:00 PM or the Riverfront parking lots. The Chiefs will provide shuttle transportation to and from the parking lot to the RiverPlex.

[Laura]

They're really cracking down on the Cubs Caravan stops.

 

Maybe they need to these days ... I'm glad it was a bit more informal when I was a kid.

[abuck1220]

if only these caravan stops and the convention itself were as well run and well organized as the i-cub fanfest.

 

it's strange that i can get four HOFer's autographs and only have to wait in line 5-10 minutes to get them, but whether or not i get 1 of only 200 michael wuertz autographs is entirely dependent on some crazy lottery system.

[Mark_R]

if only these caravan stops and the convention itself were as well run and well organized as the i-cub fanfest.

 

it's strange that i can get four HOFer's autographs and only have to wait in line 5-10 minutes to get them, but whether or not i get 1 of only 200 michael wuertz autographs is entirely dependent on some crazy lottery system.

 

How many people are at the ICub fanfest in relation to the actual Cub Convention?

 

I think that would have something to do with your autograph adventures.

[Laura]

Just to clarify, I think the Cubs Caravan stops are still often set up and arranged by the locals, including local charities. I'm guessing the Cubs organization had to set up some minimum standards for participation (including the overall auto rate, which is probably just passed along as the "rules").

 

I know the last Caravan stop I went to in '03, Mark Prior was cross-eyed from signing autos for about 3 hours straight. Too much demand. It was a little creepy.

 

The convention itself could definitely be better organized, but as long as they pack 'em in, I don't know where the incentive to improve it is.

[ChiefsVoice]

we pick the place, but that is really it. the cubs pick the date, who is coming, and what they will do once they are there.