The Kane County Cougars’ amazing 2015 season came to an abrupt end Thursday night when the Peoria Chiefs captured a two-game sweep in the best-of-three first round of the division playoffs.

The Cougars’ season can be placed under the category of  “amazing” for a lot of reasons. Led by former Major Leaguer and first-year manager Mark Grudzielanek, the Cougars compiled a regular season record of 84-54. The 84 wins were the third-highest total in club history and the team won the Western Division second half title with a 48-22 record — the most wins in one half of a season in Cougars history.

But beyond the quality baseball is at least one other stat worth noting: More than 400,000 fans attended Cougars games at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark this season, and the franchise is performing at a level equal to the talented players that are coming through Kane County on their way to the big leagues.

More good news comes from the simple truth that there’s more where that came from.

Already, the Cougars organization has announced its game schedule for the 2016 season. Opening Night and the start of the 26th season of Cougars baseball at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark takes place on  at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7,  against Clinton. The Cougars square off against the LumberKings in a brief two-game homestand before travelling to Clinton for a two-game road series. Fans can view and download the 2016 schedule by visiting kccougars.com.

In addition to playing Western Division opponents throughout the 2016 season, the Cougars will travel to play Eastern Division foes Dayton (April 26-28), Bowling Green (April 29-May 1), Great Lakes (July 20-22) and Lansing (July 23-25). The Cougars will host the following Eastern Division teams: Lake County (May 2-4), Fort Wayne (May 5-7), West Michigan (July 13-15) and South Bend (July 16-18).

The Cougars will feature a total of 26 post-game fireworks beginning with Memorial Day weekend (Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29). Sunday Fundays, beginning May 29, will include free family entertainment inside the ballpark with a paid admission ticket. Children ages 3-10 will also receive a free hot dog and soda voucher at the ballpark gates on Sunday Fundays. Thirsty Thursdays will take place on all Thursday evening games beginning on Opening Night, April 7. Beginning on Saturday, June 11, the Cougars’ ballpark concert series will feature pre-game concerts for Saturday home dates.

Additional special events, promotional acts and theme nights will be announced as they are confirmed this off-season. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to kccougars.com as well as the Cougars’ social media via Facebook (facebook.com/kanecountycougars), Twitter (@KCCougars) and Instagram (kccougars) for promotional updates and ticket information.