SOUTH BEND – The flight carrying the South Bend Cubs team from Mesa, Ariz., to South Bend has been cancelled today, team officials have said. The players will now fly on a later flight to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and will take a bus directly to Four Winds Field.

Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs, is asking fans not meet to greet the team at the South Bend International Airport. The team will now arrive between 9:30 and 10 p.m. tonight at the stadium instead.

“We’re not asking fans to come out this late,” said Hart.  “We just want them to know that the team will not be arriving at the airport as previously planned. They do want to see the stadium as soon as they get here. So, their first stop in South Bend will be Four Winds Field later on tonight. Anyone who still wants to come out is certainly welcome.”

For more information, please call the South Bend Cubs office at (574) 235-9988.

Opening Day is slated for Thursday night against Bowling Green at 7 p.m. Planned for the evening include the introduction of Stu D. Baker, the team’s mascot, opening pitch by Cubs GM Theo Epstein, the national anthem sung by Wayne Messmer, and fireworks following the game. The game is sold out.