Crushers Set For Season, Regular Home Opener May 27

In the movie "Field of Dreams," people thought Kevin Costner had lost his marbles.

In what many thought at the time, said was a fiscally and highly illogical move, Costner plowed over his cornfield and turned it into a baseball field - all because he heard some voices saying if you build it they will come.

While Avon is far from being an Iowa cornfield, Avon mayor Jim Smith, much like Costner had a premonition. Why not put a ball field in the city of Avon? That ball field, , is home to the , the west side's answer to close-to-home outdoor entertainment.

"If the people aren't happy with the quality of life, and you don't give them entertainment, they are not going to put there business here, trust me, it won't happen." Avon Mayor Jim Smith said. " It's a fantastic thing where you can go get this type of entertainment close to your house."

What makes the field even more special, is the fact it was built without a major cost to the city of Avon, and it is the anchor a 122-acre complex, with the  also part of the project.

The stadium, built and owned by the city of Avon, has a capacity of 5,000, including 3,000 box seats, 11 private suites, four-person terrace tables, berm seating and picnic and patio areas for group outings.

What makes it nicer is the fact the playing surface is artificial turf, and that it also hosts Avon's baseball team.

Last year to say the least was a banner season for the Lake Erie Crushers, the Frontier League team which calls All-Pro Freight stadium home. In just its first year of existence, the Crushers went 57-38 and won the Frontier League Championship.

"This is affordable family entertainment, and you are right close to the action wherever you sit in the stadium," Amy Focoreto, the Crushers Outside Events Coordinator, said.

Forget the prices you find at Progressive Field, because Focoreto is right. Not only is it affordable with ticket prices no more than $18 for the club level, but there are numerous specials. Field box seats are $14, home box seats are $9 and general admission tickets are only $6 (lawn).

Each Monday is dollar dog night, on Tuesday's there is $2 menu, Thursday there is dollar pop and beer and Friday night there are fireworks.

"We also offer family fun day, with a special ticket package that is four for forty four," Focoreto said. "You get four home box vouchers and four perfect game vouchers and after the game, kids get to run the bases."

 The stadium itself also gives baseball fans an intimate view of the game and the interaction with the fans from players is second to none.

 "Its a new stadium, and the rows, wherever you sit, you are right on the action," Focoreto said. "Usually after the games, the players will all sign autographs and because the players are hosted by local families there is also that connection with the community."

The Crushers open the 2011 home season May 27 and tickets are currently on sale. For more information on how to attend a game call the Crushers box office at 440-934-3636. Game times are as follows: 

Monday through Saturday games start at 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6:05 p.m.

Sunday games start at 5:05 p.m. Gates open at 4:05 p.m.