The Cubs and White Sox are still playing, but the Kane County Cougars can’t wait ’til next year.

The Cougars organization has announced the game schedule for the 2017 season. Opening Night, which will kick off the 27th season of Cougars baseball, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, against the Clinton LumberKings. The Cougars will face the LumberKings in a brief two-game homestand before traveling to Clinton for their first road series of the season.

To view and download the entire 2017 schedule, visit www.kccougars.com.

The Cougars will play a handful of their Eastern Division opponents, including the South Bend Cubs (May 2-4), West Michigan Whitecaps (May 5-7), Lake County Captains (July 19-21) and Fort Wayne TinCaps (July 22-24), on the road while playing host to the remaining Eastern Division teams such as the Great Lake Loons (May 8-10), Lansing Lugnuts (May 11-13), Bowling Green Hot Rods (July 12-14) and the Dayton Dragons (July 15-17).

Fans will be treated to a total of 26 post-game fireworks shows beginning on Friday, May 19, with Thirsty Thursday’s taking place on all Thursday evening games, beginning with Opening Night on April 6. Sunday Fundays will begin on May 28 with free entertainment and ballpark discounts for kids plus all children between the ages of 3 and 10 will receive a voucher for free hot dog and soda at the gates.

Half-Price Hump Day returns this season as well, beginning on June 14, with specials on reserved and lawn seat tickets, regular-size sodas, burgers, pizza, nachos, popcorn and select souvenirs. Lastly, the Ballpark Concert Series will begin on Saturday, June 17 featuring pre-game concerts in the Music Garden, presented by the Acres Group, on Saturday home dates.

Additional special events, promotions and theme nights will be announced as they are confirmed throughout this off-season.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 150 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.