Ballpark Hopes to Convert Press Box to Lounge

The Schaumburg Boomers want to replace the press box at the ballpark the team leases from the village of Schaumburg and Schaumburg Park District with an exclusive lounge area for suite ticketholders.

The proposed Jim Beam Club and bar would be built at the team's expense on the suite level of the 19-year-old stadium.

Boomers General Manager Michael Larson said that while the change would make a significant visual impact on the lobby area of the suite level, the work involved to achieve it would be relatively small.

The estimated cost of the work is $25,000, according to the building permit application.

There has been a temporary, pop-up bar on that level, but Larson said it makes some sense to give it a permanent location in a spruced up area.

"I saw an opportunity to make a small improvement," he said. Other than special events, the press box area is most often used for storage, despite its premium location in the stadium, Larson said.

The project isn't directly tied to other stadium upgrades contemplated by the village and park district, Village Manager Brian Townsend said.

In December, both local governments agreed on a four-year, $10.5 million plan to upgrade the ballpark.

"However, this does represent the team making an investment in the facility, and I think the team should be commended for that," he added.

The issue will come before the village board during its committee-of-the-whole meeting at 7 p.m. today, at village hall, 101 Schaumburg Court.

Park district Executive Director Tony LaFrenere said his board of commissioners already has expressed its support for the project.

"We think it's a good use of resources," he added. Depending on the speed of the approval process, the work might be done in August, ahead of the offseason, Larson said. Because the area isn't currently being used, work could take place at any time except during games.

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