Who are the RailCats again?
The RailCats are the professional minor league baseball team serving Northwest Indiana and Chicago's south suburbs.  The RailCats are 2005 & 2007 champions of the Northern League of Professional Baseball and have been to the League Championship Series four years in a row.  The RailCats play 48 home games each summer at U. S. Steel Yard, a charming, state-of-the-art ballpark, that has been named "Best New Ballpark" by Chicago Magazine.

What league do the RailCats play in?
The RailCats are members of the Northern League, the pre-eminent modern era independent league, with six teams throughout the Midwestern states and Canada. RailCats players possess varying levels of experience - some are rookies just entering professional baseball, while others are extending their playing careers after reaching the major leagues.

Where is U. S. Steel Yard?
U. S. Steel Yard is conveniently located next to the Indiana Toll Road (I-90), with easy access from I-65, I-80/94 and the Chicago Skyway. From I-90, take the Broadway exit south, then left on U.S. 12/20 two blocks to the stadium. From I-80/94, take I-65 North to U.S. 12/20, then left one and one-half miles to the stadium.

Sounds like a nice ballpark.
Indeed, U. S. Steel Yard is a state-of-the-art facility for minor league baseball. Some of U. S. Steel Yard's amenities include 18 luxury suites; a Bennigan's restaurant in the right field corner; large picnic areas and party decks, a kids area complete with a playground; a retail store, the SouthShore Depot; a huge, brightly-colored video screen scoreboard; more than 5,700 comfortable chair-back seats; and well-lit, secure parking areas, with free trolley service from the parking lots to the front gate.

Are the RailCats popular?
The RailCats have drawn over 930,000 fans in their first six home seasons, averaging more than 3,600 fans per game.  In fact, they saw an attendance increase in each succeeding year from their inaugural home season of 2003 to 2007.

When's Opening Day?
The RailCats play their 2009 home opener in May.  Look for the 2009 Northern League schedule to be released during the winter of 2008.

How do I contact the RailCats?
The Gary SouthShore RailCats mailing address is: Gary SouthShore RailCats, U. S. Steel Yard, One Stadium Plaza , Gary , IN 46402 . The RailCats administrative office telephone number is (219) 882-BALL. The FAX number is (219) 882-2259. The RailCats' official website is www.railcatsbaseball.com. The general e-mail address is info@railcatsbaseball.com

When I come to U. S. Steel Yard, can I get autographs from RailCats players?
RailCats players may sign autographs until 15 minutes prior to game time, and after games as well. The best place to meet players for autographs is along the third base line between the RailCats' dugout and the bullpen. Fans should be respectful of the players' pre-game routines as they prepare to play. Fans generally are not allowed onto the field to solicit autographs, and autographs are not permitted while a game is in progress. Fans should not lean into the dugout while the game is going on to ask for an autograph!

What items should I leave at home when I attend a RailCats game?
Backpacks, duffle bags, hard-sided coolers, thermoses, bottles, cans, and alcoholic beverages may not be brought into U. S. Steel Yard. Items that are allowed include: purses, fanny packs, strollers, wheel chairs and small bags (size limit: 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches).

Can I bring a banner to show support for the RailCats and/or my favorite player?
Banners may be displayed between innings, and before and after games. The RailCats reserve the right to confiscate banners deemed objectionable.

How do I arrange to have a birthday party at a RailCats game?
Special birthday packages are available for your child at U. S. Steel Yard. A RailCats Birthday party includes a hot dog, chips, and soda, a personalized birthday cake, a souvenir for everyone. For more information, call the RailCats Group Sales Department at (219) 882-BALL.

Can I use my camera or camcorder at a RailCats game?
Cameras and camcorders are allowed in U. S. Steel Yard. Patrons are asked to take into consideration the wishes of their fellow spectators when using a camera or camcorder. Photos and videotapes photographed at U. S. Steel Yard may not be used for commercial purposes without the express written consent of the Gary SouthShore RailCats.

Where can I send a RailCats player a letter?
Letters to RailCats players and staff may be sent care of: RailCats Fan Mail, U. S. Steel Yard, One Stadium Plaza , Gary , IN 46402 . The RailCats are not responsible for the return of any mailed items.

Can I keep a foul ball if it's hit into the stands?
Fans are welcome to keep any baseballs that are hit or thrown into the stands (if you're sitting in the rightfield terrace, you might even catch a RailCats home run!). However, because bats and balls can me moving at a high rate of speed when entering the stands, fans should stay alert at all times.

What time do the gates open?
U. S. Steel Yard gates normally open one hour prior to game time.

My whole church wants to come to a RailCats game as a group. Can we get a discount?
Groups of 20 or more may purchase discounted tickets through the RailCats' Group Sales Department (Mike Smith, Director). Call the RailCats at (219) 882-BALL.

My dad is handicapped and needs handicapped seating. Is that available?
U. S. Steel Yard has 106 seats that comply with the Americans with Disablities Act. The seats are located in sections 102, 105, 106.

How are RailCats games broadcast?
Every RailCats game, both home and away, is broadcast on the RailCats Baseball Network. The flagship station is WEFM 95.9 FM. Andy Viano calls the play-by-play.  RailCats games are also simulcast on the Internet at www.railcatsbaseball.com with live audio available (www.sportsjuice.com) for all games and live video (www.ibnsports.com) available for every home game.

It's 4 p.m. and a few sprinkles of rain have fallen at my house. Is the game going to be called on account of rain?
Generally, every effort will be made to play every game. Naturally, weather conditions can vary from locality to locality across Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs, so even if it's raining at home it may not be raining at U. S. Steel Yard. Also, the state-of-the-art grass playing surface at U. S. Steel Yard is capable of draining at least 12 inches of water per hour, plus the infield can be covered by a large tarp. When it stops raining, the field can be prepared in less than an hour to play. If you are unsure about the weather conditions, listen to WEFM 95.9 fm for an update about the status of the game.

What if a RailCats game is rained out?
If a RailCats game is rained out before five full innings (four and one-half innings if the RailCats have the lead) have been completed, fans may exchange their rain checks for an equal number of tickets to a future home game, subject to availability. Rain checks can be exchanged either at the U. S. Steel Yard ticket office or by mail. Exchanges by mail should be addressed to: RailCats Ticket Office, Attention: Rain Exchange Department, One Stadium Plaza , Gary , IN 46204 .

Can I smoke at a RailCats game?
Smoking is not permitted in the seating areas of U. S. Steel Yard. Smoking is permitted only on the walkway between the leftfield foul pole and the scoreboard.