SOUTH BEND – Due to the overwhelmingly positive interest in the South Bend Cubs, team officials announced they will open the gates at Four Winds Field two hours before all Friday and Saturday games for the remainder of the season.

Previously, gates had opened just one hour prior to the game’s first pitch. The move is in response to the large crowds that begin forming at the gates more than an hour before the gates have opened.

The gates for weekday and Sunday games will continue to open one hour prior to first pitch.

“We’ve had some pretty tremendous support from the community,” says Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “People are very excited to get to the stadium and experience everything there is to do here. The kids want to play in the Fun Zone and on the splash pad; the adults want to enjoy nice weather at the Tiki Bar. We also have the batting cages at the Performance Center that are now open during the games. It’s a no-brainer to just open a little earlier so no one feels rushed or has to experience long lines.”