At a morning press conference at Canal Park, the home of the Aeros, Mayor Don Plusquellic congratulated the returning team members for their 2005 championship and said he is looking forward to another exciting season of professional baseball in Downtown Akron.

Commenting that it was hard to believe this was already the 10^th season for Canal Park and the Aeros, Mayor Plusquellic also said, "Downtown comes alive with families every night the Aeros are in town, and the half million visitors the team attracts every summer inject vitality into the city. This magnificent ballpark built by the people of Akron continues to provide affordable family entertainment for residents and visitors."

Aeros General Manager Jeff Auman presented the mayor with his own 2005 championship team ring, which Plusquellic has donated to the Summit County Historical society along with the 2003 championship ring he received from the team.

"These are artifacts for the whole city to see and enjoy," said the mayor.

Plusquellic also announced that for the 10^th season, Canal Park will be installing new electronic scoreboards at 1^st and 3^rd bases, and a state-of-the-art Video Display Unit and scoreboard in center field.

Akron City Council has approved the purchase of the $386,000 replacement scoreboards and the "Pro Star Video Plus Display" unit from Daktronics Corporation. Daktronics provided similar technology to Jacobs Field for the Cleveland Indians and to the Lake County Captains, the Indians’ Class-A team.

"This company has a strong presence in Northeast Ohio," said Plusquellic. "We expect them to stand behind their installation of this high-tech unit, to ensure that fans have an enjoyable experience at the games."

Installation of the new scoreboards and video display can take place during the Aeros’ 10-game road trip beginning June 27. The work on the new scoreboard must be coordinated with the nearby demolition of Canal Park Tower, which is underway and expected to be completed by the end of May.