KANE COUNTY COUGARS
Northwestern Medicine Field
Northwestern Medicine Field is the D-backs' High-A affiliate in Geneva, Illinois — in the Fox River Valley of the Chicago exurbs, 40 miles west of the city. The Cougars are one of the best-attended minor league teams in the Midwest, drawing from the affluent communities of the Fox Valley — Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, and Naperville. The park holds 10,000 and regularly approaches sellouts for weekend games.
PHOTO: Jordano53 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Architecture & History
Northwestern Medicine Field opened in 1994 as Philip B. Elfstrom Stadium and served the Kane County Cougars until their PDL affiliation ended in 2020. Current tenant status should be verified.
Build specs
- OPENED
- 1994
- CAPACITY
- Approx 8,000
Names & History
2017–present
Northwestern Medicine Field
Named after Northwestern Medicine after the Kane County Cougars' PDL tenure. The team's affiliated status ended in 2020.
1994–2017
Philip B. Elfstrom Stadium
Named after Philip Elfstrom, the Kane County judge who helped bring affiliated baseball to the area.
The Food
Chicago-Style Italian Beef
Chicago is 40 miles east. The Chicago Italian beef — slow-roasted seasoned beef, sliced thin, served wet (dipped in the beef juices) or dry, on an Italian roll with sweet or hot giardiniera — is the correct food in the Chicago metro's western suburbs.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
Chicago dog stands
The Chicago-style hot dog — Vienna Beef frank, all seven toppings, no ketchup.
Deep Dish Pizza Slice
Pizza stands
Chicago deep dish pizza — thick buttery crust, cheese on the bottom, chunky tomato sauce on top.
Cougars Dog
Hot dog stands
Standard hot dog with Chicago-style yellow mustard.
The Beer
Northwestern Medicine Field features Chicago-area craft options. The Fox Valley's craft scene includes Alter Brewing and Solemn Oath Brewery.
Solemn Oath Brewery Nerd Fright IPA
Solemn Oath Brewery · Naperville, IL
Solemn Oath from Naperville — the Fox Valley's most nationally recognized craft brewery.
Alter Brewing Company Haze County NEIPA
Alter Brewing Co. · Downers Grove, IL
Alter Brewing from Downers Grove brings their Haze County NEIPA.
Revolution Brewing Anti-Hero IPA
Revolution Brewing · Chicago, IL
Revolution Brewing, Chicago's largest independent craft brewery.
Insider Tips
The One Thing
The Kane County Cougars lost their PDL affiliation in 2020 and this park now exists in a hybrid capacity. Verify team status before visiting.
Note
This stadium may host independent or alternate professional baseball. Confirm current tenant and schedule at the Midwest League website.
Pilgrim Stops Near Geneva
Weird, wonderful, and worth the detour.
Gemini Giant Wilmington
A 28-foot spaceman on Route 66 since 1965. The drive-in still serves burgers.
Chicago Water Tower
One of two buildings left standing after the fire that destroyed four square miles of Chicago.
Shedd Aquarium Chicago
5 million gallons, beluga whales, and the most complete Midwest freshwater fish collection in the world.
Plan your pilgrimage
Every Park a Pilgrimage.
Plan a baseball road trip through Geneva and beyond.
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