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TinCaps' Parkview Field takes top honor

Stadium Journey ranks stadium as best experience in Minors
January 14, 2013
FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Parkview Field, the home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, has been named as the top Minor League Baseball experience for the second straight season by Stadium Journey magazine. The publication reviewed 1,225 sports venues in compiling its "Top 101 Stadium Experiences for 2012." Parkview Field ranked as the No. 14 experience in all sporting venues. Parkview Field was also rated as the top experience in Minor League Baseball in 2011, when the magazine reviewed 754 stadiums.

"The thing about Parkview Field is that it combines all of the elements that we recognize as making a stadium experience great," said Stadium Journey president and co-founder Paul Swaney, who visited Parkview Field this past season. "The food and beverage is better than you'll find most places and [the concessions options are] related to the overall theme. When I go to Parkview Field, apple turnovers are something that I seek out. Having a downtown location is an important factor as well. The variety of seating selections is important, too. Fans can go back again and again and have different experiences each time depending on where they want to sit."

Stadium Journey utilizes its FANFARE scale for ranking the stadiums on its website and in creating this list. The scale takes into account the food & beverage at the stadium, overall atmosphere, the neighborhood in which it resides, the fans, access outside and inside the stadium, return on investment and allows for room for "bonus points" for unique features.

"This award is a testament to our great community and fans who continue to make Parkview Field an enjoyable place to be," said TinCaps president Mike Nutter. "We're honored to be ranked among the best venues in all of professional sports, including another Indiana landmark like [No. 1 overall experience] Lucas Oil Stadium."

"The truly great venues are worth going out of your way to see, and Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, is a great example of a ballpark you need to see. If you love baseball, or if you just love life, then get this on your to do list ASAP," Swaney added in his online review.

The TinCaps open their fifth season of Midwest League baseball at Parkview Field on April 11, 2013, against the Lake County Captains. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. with fireworks to follow the game. Tickets are available by calling 260-482-6400, visiting the Parkview Field ticket office or online at TinCaps.com.