Trustmark Park named fifth-best MiLB stadium

PEARL, MS -- Trustmark Park, home of the Mississippi Braves, was named as the fifth-best overall ballpark experience in Minor League Baseball. Having visited every MiLB ballpark in the United States with the exception of the Arizona & Gulf Coast Leagues over the past three seasons, Stadium Journey Magazine released its rankings earlier this morning.

Ratings were based on several different factors including food and beverage, local neighborhood, fans, access, return on investment, overall atmosphere and an "extras" category. Of the seven categories, Trustmark Park received five-star ratings in four categories. The M-Braves stadium received four-star ratings in the other three categories.

The Mississippi Braves celebrate 10 years in Mississippi during the upcoming 2014 season. Trustmark Park opened its gates to the public on April 18, 2005. In nine seasons, more than 1.9 million fans have visited Trustmark Park to see future stars take the field. For the second consecutive season (2012-13), the M-Braves saw an increase in total attendance, and the M-Braves welcomed more than 200,000 fans for the first time since the 2008 championship season.

Overall, Trustmark Park draws over 300,000 people each year and hosts more than 100 events annually. In addition to the Mississippi Braves 70 regular-season games, Trustmark Park hosts three college games each year, highlighted by the Governor's Cup between Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Trustmark Park also hosts the annual MHSAA Baseball Championships in May, Trustmark's Red Beans and Rice Celebration in the fall, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk and many other special events.