The former home of the Southern Illinois Miners is now Thrillville as the newest team to call Marion home is opening up its Prospect League season.
The Thrillbillies will be a new summertime sports entertainment outlet during a 30-game home schedule that runs through early August.
Herb Voss is part of the franchise's marketing team. He says the game day experience is all about excitement.
"It's important to remember that this is taking place in Thrillville, so everything is ramped up just a little bit. Spoiler alert! Tonight, our mascot is going to be playing the national anthem on guitar, but he'll be dropped off in a helicopter before he does that."
Voss says the concession stands will feature staples such as hot dogs and hamburgers, but he says they've partnered with The Turn Restaurant and Lounge in Marion to offer Mexican food options and a custom cocktail each night.
Former Miners player and coach Ralph Santana is the manager for the Thrillbillies.
Before the game, Santana said he jumped at the chance to return to the former Rent One Park -- now known as Mountain Dew Park.
"I set a standard here. I was one of the first players to play here. I got the first hit here. Just the love for the park, the love for this area, the community, I missed it. I loved everything about it. I think southern Illinois and the Miners were me."
Since leaving the Miners, Santana said he's been offering lessons to baseball and softball players, helping many fulfill their dreams to play in college.
He looks forward to helping the collegiate players on the Thrillbillies try to reach the professional level.
Game times will be at 6:45 p.m. on weekdays and 6:15 on weekends.
