South Bend Cubs fans make long-awaited return to Four Winds Field for home opener

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - It may have been a cold night for the return of baseball. But for those of us who love the game, the crack of the bat stops the world for a moment in an entirely good way.

The South Bend Cubs were back at Four Winds Field Tuesday night. This is what baseball fans have been waiting to see. To have the food, have the drinks and of course enjoy some baseball.

“Really, this is baseball. This is baseball. You are here. Hear the bats. You can hear everything, all the sounds,” said Jeff Hostetler.

Some fans have been waiting for a night like tonight for months.

“Very excited. Like I said, I have been waiting for about six months. I am always the first one in line in March when the tickets go on sale,” said Walter Kozora.

Baseball is a game for all ages, and for young fans, watching their favorite team or player can inspire them to one day follow in their footsteps.

“I play for a little league, and I did pretty good and I play pitcher and shortstop and I am hoping one day I can play for the Chicago Cubs,” said one young fan.

Changes are underway at the ballpark with a $48 million renovation project that started after last September’s final pitch. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

“It’s fantastic. We have a very strong group of individuals working in this stadium. All the people who have planned this and designed this have done a fantastic job, so far so good. What was great about this stadium was that it was built for a second deck even though there wasn’t one here,” said Andrew Berlin, owner of the South Bend Cubs.

Fans are taking notice of the unique changes, including one fan who has a strong tie to construction.

“It is interesting to me because I am a retired heavy equipment operator, so it is interesting to see the construction. We get to see baseball and construction. So, I think it is just a big lift and big move forward,” said Craig Ewen.

As for the game itself, the home crowd may have just been what the Cubs needed, as they picked up a 5-3 win over the Peoria Chiefs. It’s the first win of the season for South Bend, who went 0-3 to start the season this past weekend on the road.

South Bend was down by two runs in the sixth, but five runs in the bottom part of the inning put them ahead for good.

The Cubs will be back in action Wednesday night for game two of their six-game series against the Chiefs. First pitch at Four Winds Field is set for 7:05 p.m. EDT.