See the ol' ballgame in a new way at these parks
Looking for a respite from the sameness of the seat and the banality of the berm? Then consider visiting these six Minor League ballparks. You can watch the game from a unique and memorable location at each one. - Ballpark Guides Presented by Wyndham for EVERY Minor League team -
Looking for a respite from the sameness of the seat and the banality of the berm? Then consider visiting these six Minor League ballparks. You can watch the game from a unique and memorable location at each one.
These stadiums -- and 113 more -- are included in the Minor League Ballpark Guide series, designed to help fans learn about the Minors while planning their own road trips.
El Paso Chihuahuas -- Big Dog House
Southwest University Park
1 Ballpark Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
915-533-2273
Southwest University Park is a wonderfully designed stadium, located a short walk from Juárez, Mexico. One of its most appealing aspects is the four-story Big Dog House located in right field. The ground floor is occupied by the team store for the El Paso Locomotive FC, a USL Championship soccer franchise that shares the facility. The City Hall Bar and Grill, open to all ticketed fans, is on the second level. The Sun Kings Saloon, a full-service bar and restaurant featuring memorabilia from all eras of El Paso baseball history, is on the third floor.
The crown jewel of the Big Dog House is the Wooftop Deck, Southwest University Park's sprawling penthouse suite. A private group area, it offers spectacular elevated views of the playing field and downtown El Paso.
Quad Cities River Bandits -- Ferris wheel
Modern Woodmen Park
209 Gaines St.
Davenport, IA 52802
(563) 324-3000
Modern Woodmen Park, the fourth-oldest stadium in Minor League Baseball, boasts an incredible right-field view of the Centennial Bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Ill. The view toward left isn't too shabby either, as a 110-foot Ferris wheel looms above the concourse.
Fans can ride it during the game, providing an unprecedented bird's eye view of Midwest League baseball action. The Ferris wheel is one of six ballpark amusement rides, which also include a carousel and the Genesis Kidz Koaster.
Spokane Indians -- Coors Light Caboose
Avista Stadium
602 N. Havana St.
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 535-2922
There isn't a bad seat in the house at Avista Stadium, a classic ballpark that's hosted the Spokane Indians since 1958. The ballpark has been modernized and expanded over the years, with one of the more recent additions being the Coors Light Caboose in right field. It's a replica of a classic train car, with seating located both within the car and without.
The Coors Light Caboose, which accommodates over 80 people, is generally only available as a group area. However, the team sometimes makes single-game tickets available.
Toledo Mud Hens -- Holy Toledo! Skydeck and Rooftop
Fifth Third Field
406 Washington Street
Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 725-4367
At Fifth Third Field, the ballpark experience isn't limited to the ballpark itself. The Mud Hens' home is part of "Hensville," which includes three historic buildings located in the immediate vicinity of Fifth Third Field. The Holy Toledo! Skydeck and Rooftop group areas, located atop a building overlooking right field, offers stunning gameday views.
Worcester Red Sox -- Worcester Wall
Polar Park
100 Madison Street
Worcester, MA 01608
508-500-1000
Fenway Park has its fabled Green Monster. Travel down one level in the Red Sox system, and some 45 miles to the west, and you'll find the Blue Monster. Known as the Worcester Wall, this seating area -- located in right field instead of left -- is one of Polar Park's most distinctive elements. There are five sections of seating atop the Worcester Wall. Bring your own Sharpie if you want to autograph the foul pole.
Greenville Drive -- Green Monster Seats
Fluor Field
945 S Main St,
Greenville, SC 29605
864-240-4500
For a more faithful Minor League recreation of Fenway's Green Monster, you'll have to travel out of New England entirely. Fluor Field, home of High-A Greenville Drive in South Carolina, is in large part an homage to Boston's fabled ballpark. There is a Green Monster in left field, with 100 seats available on a nightly basis.
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.