South Bend Cubs gearing up for 2025 season, home opener next week

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - We’re just six days away from the South Bend Cubs’ home opener!

This will be the tenth year the team has been a Chicago Cubs affiliate.

This year, there’s plenty to see, and something new to see through.

The protective netting that shields fans from foul balls has been extended. It now runs from foul pole to foul pole.

“I love the new netting,” says South Bend Cubs Team President Joe Hart. “I’ve seen a lot of people hit by foul balls over the years, so with the netting going all the way down the lines now that’ll just make it a little more safe. People with younger kids can feel comfortable when they come out to the ballpark.”

Also in the name of comfort, the Cubs are moving up the start times for Saturday games in April and May. They’ll begin at 4:05 p.m. instead of 7:05 p.m. to avoid the evening chill.

While the home opener isn’t until next Tuesday, April 8, the Cubs get their season going this weekend on the road. And while the roster still hasn’t officially been set, we do know who will be leading it as manager Nick Lovullo is back with the squad for his second season.

Last year was Lovullo’s first full season as an affiliate manager in the Cubs organization. The 31-year-old joined Chicago’s organization several years ago after being a former Boston Red Sox prospect.

He led the Cubs to just a 54-78 record last season, but he’s hoping to accomplish a lot more this season.

“Last year was a ton of learning opportunities for me. A ton of personal growth that I’m extremely grateful for,” Lovullo says. “I’m excited to be back here as a returner and apply some of the things I learned. I feel like I got better as the year went on . . . managing bullpen, understanding hitter’s swings. Understanding pitcher’s shapes on their pitches, kind of using that to play matchups and put our players in the best position possible.”

To purchase your tickets to Tuesday’s home opener, click here.