Though he’s been looking forward to this for nearly 10 years, Kane County Cougars general manager Jeff Sedivy was caught a bit  off-guard when construction began for the expansion project at Elfstrom Stadium.

“For the first two days, I kind of felt deflated,” he said. “It was like — this place where I’ve spent 18 years of my life is in shambles.”

But he was quickly able to look on the bright side.

“It’s going to be worth it in the end,” he said.

The $10.5 million project, expected to be completed by the Cougars’ opening day in April, will give the stadium, at 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, a covered concourse, luxury suites and rooftop party areas, and new administrative offices.

For Sedivy, the project is the “last piece of the puzzle.”

“Other facilities at ball parks in Illinois have covered concourses and suites,” he said. “And the administrative office was built for a 10-person operation.

“We’ve had a 30-person operation for the last 10 years.”

Cougars manager Aaron Nieckula said the revamped stadium “is going to be a great place to come and experience a ballgame.”

“It’s a great field now,” he said. “But with all the improvements, it’s going to be a very nice place to come — and not only to manage, but to see a game as well.”

The Kane County Cougars, the Oakland Athletics’ Class A minor-league baseball team, just wrapped up its 18th season. This year, the Cougars welcomed their eight-millionth fan to the ball park. The stadium draws more than a half-million visitors each year for the Cougars’ 70-game home schedule, the Illinois High School Association’s Class AA baseball tournament finals, and college and high school baseball games.

Fans can find expansion updates and  off-season updates at www.kccougars.com.