Getting ready for the All-Stars

CEDAR RAPIDS - Doug Nelson is chief executive officer of the Cedar Rapids Kernels, which will host the 2016 Midwest League All-Star Game at Veterans Memorial Stadium June 21. This is the first time Cedar Rapids has hosted the annual event since 2004.

Q: Are all your preparations for the event complete?

A: Everything is in pretty good shape. We're going to now concentrate this weekend and the weekend before the All-Star Game on deep cleaning. Do one last walk-through. We are 95 percent of the way there.

Q: Along with a Home Run Derby before the game, what other festivities are planned?

A: That Monday night from 4 to 6 p.m. we are having a Fan Fest that is a free event. We hope to have 10 or so players doing autographs. As well, we will have inflatable games, a train lined up. I think we have nine or 10 other Midwest League mascots that will be here as well. A Lifeline helicopter. So just a lot of good events for families.

Then on Tuesday, game day, the gates will open at 5 o'clock. We will have a 30-minute autograph session with the West All-Stars. They'll be sitting at tables around the concourse. After the West All-Stars are done signing autographs, the East All-Stars will be out for a half-hour for a signing session. We'll have the Home Run Derby ...

. Then the game will start at 7.

Q: When did you first start preparing for this game and event?

A: We knew we were getting it quite a few years back. But we really started getting serious about two years ago. At West Michigan (in 2014), we started taking quite a few notes. We took even more notes last year at Peoria. The great thing about baseball is that we're really not competitors, we all work together. So everyone has been great about sharing their notes.

Our planning really started to kick in this off-season. We sold out our sponsorships almost immediately. Things came together, and now this spring it has been all about event planning.

Q: You really did talk to most other clubs to bounce ideas off them?

A: Absolutely, absolutely. We were able to find out what works, what doesn't work so well. For instance, West Michigan had a bunting contest instead of a home run contest. Bunts don't have the same excitement as home runs.

It's a great way to learn best practices, as well as things to stay away from.

Q: Why should someone who is maybe just a casual fan come out?

A: One, I would guess at least half to three-quarters of these players in this game will be major leaguers some day. You are seeing the best of the best of the Midwest League.

If you are not into it for the baseball, we have worked with J&M Displays, our fireworks provider, and they are going to more than double our (regular) show, as well as add a laser light show. You are going to see one dynamite fireworks display, there's not any question about that.

Q: Do you look at this as a chance to showcase the city as well as the ballpark?

A: Absolutely. I am very proud of what we have done with our stadium, as well as our community, with all the new construction and the wonderful attractions that we have. This is our chance to show off to the rest of the league on what a great community Cedar Rapids is.

Q: Are tickets still available to the game?

A: Yes. You can check us out online (www.kernels.com) or call the box office (319-896-7560).

l Comments: (319) 398-8259; jeff.johnson@thegazette.com