Locals React To Peoria Chiefs Switch

PEORIA -- Fans are speaking out about the new city behind the Peoria Chiefs.

So far, the change is getting mixed reviews. Some people are sad to see the Cubs go, but many say a new team is exciting for Peoria and the Cardinals are a great choice for the Chiefs.

Cardinal fans won't need to travel far to get a taste of their team.

The Peoria Chiefs are welcoming back an old favorite.

Now, local fans are speaking out.

One fan said because of the change, he's going to attend more games than ever before. Israel Gongora said, "I am excited, I hope that it brings a lot more fans and they get a little bit better games going. It will be a new way for them to show their talents a little bit better."

Another fan tells us he's just glad to have a major team backing Peoria's baseball team. Tony Newell said, "I always go probably once a year or whatever and you know I still have a good time. I think it's always good to have a good baseball team in one of the small cities."

Bringing a new team to town will affect sports stores, too.

Owner Matt Nichols of Pro-Image said he may be ordering a little more red. "We usually carry a lot of Cardinals and Cubs stuff so it will probably keep it about the same but we might have to increase certain players that we might not normally carry, if they're going to be doing a rehab stint here in town."

As a Chiefs fan himself, Nichols said having the Cardinals behind the team is a win-win. "I mean it's better than the Brewers or something like that. It's two of the most popular teams in the city.  You're going from one popular one to another.

The Cardinals will be in town next week to formally announce their arrival.