Media Advisory

July 18, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

Note: Photos of “REAL FAN DAYS” may be downloaded at www.czs.org/CZS/pressroom.


Chicago Cubs “REAL FAN DAYS” Festivities at Brookfield Zoo
Celebrating Everything about the Cubs on July 23 and 24


What: The Chicago Cubs will be celebrated during Brookfield Zoo’s “REAL FAN DAYS” weekend on July 23 and July 24. Festivities include appearances by current Chicago Cubs players, animal Zoo Chats, a scavenger hunt, baseball skill games, and more.

Visitors who wear Chicago Cubs apparel will receive a 20 percent discount off zoo admission. All activities are free with regular admission of $13.50 for adults and $9.50 for children 3 to 11 and seniors 65 and over. Children 2 and under free. Parking is $9.

Free Activities
  • Attend a special polar bear Zoo Chat at 11:30 a.m. that will tie in fun facts about the Chicago Cubs and a 3:00 p.m. polar bear feeding.
  • Meet and get autographs from current Chicago Cubs players (players attending to be announced closer to scheduled weekend).
  • BP, the official sponsor of Chicago baseball, is featuring the city’s largest baseball and visiting fans can make their mark on the 13-foot baseball and share one “little thing” that makes Chicago baseball special to them.
  • Partake in a scavenger hunt that will take place around the zoo connecting sports teams, skills used in playing sports, and fun facts about animals at the zoo.
  • Be a sports broadcaster and announce iconic sports plays at the broadcast “karaoke” booth.
  • View sports memorabilia courtesy of FansEdge on the West Mall.
  • Take a ride on the Cubs-themed trolley around the West Mall.
  • Participate in Kinectimals Xbox activities presented by the Microsoft Store.
  • Participate in “Ivy Dreams” and learn how to construct an ivy wall, including how to care and water the ivy, from the zoo’s Grounds staff between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m.

Free Baseball Skill Drills on Brookfield Zoo’s West Mall
  • Grand Slam Batting: participants can swing for the fences in an inflatable batting cage that features a ball that magically floats in the air.
  • Speed Pitch: participants will step right up to the pitcher’s mound and test their speed and accuracy with the help of a radar unit and an inflatable sports cage.
  • Giant Bags Set: sports fans of all ages can play a supersized version of the classic tailgating game.

“REAL FAN DAYS” is a seven-weekend series that runs on select weekends through September 4 and will allow fans of Chicago professional sports teams to meet players and mascots, test their skill at sports games, and enjoy themed entertainment. Plus, guests can discover the REAL connection their favorite teams share with iconic animals at Brookfield Zoo and within the Great Bear Wilderness exhibit, presented by Dominick’s, through programming and activities. For further information, visit www.CZS.org/RealFanDays or call (708) 688-8000.

When: Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St., Brookfield, IL

Contact: Sondra Katzen, (708) 688-8351 or (708) 903-2071 (cell)


# # #