Cashman Field: Vegas' desert gem

For those who feel like there's not enough to do in Las Vegas, the 51s have the perfect solution at Cashman Field.

Home to the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cashman Field is one of the oldest parks in the Pacific Coast League, with its doors opening in 1983. Renovations to stadiums in Omaha and Portland gave Cashman Field the honors of weighing in as the third oldest out of 16 PCL ballparks, trailing Nashville and Tacoma's parks.

It's easy to see Cashman Field's historic presence as it stands out among its Las Vegas surroundings, which are far from old-fashioned. Located on the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard, Cashman Field is just 3 miles away from the famous Las Vegas Strip.

"There's so much to do in Vegas, attendance is up, the town's really grown," said Jim Gemma, media director for the 51s. "This is our 23rd year here, and we're happy with our attendance so far."

The ballpark is part of a larger complex called Cashman Center, which houses a theater and convention facility along with the ballpark. The 9,300-capacity stadium is the focal point, however, of the complex.

Its brick exterior adds to the old-time look of the park. Being adjoined on one side by the theater and convention center gives Cashman Field a different look that fans can enjoy.

Once inside the park, fans can gaze at the beautiful Sheep Mountain Range just beyond left field or enjoy Sunrise Mountain, which lies behind right field.

"With the mountains and the weather, we've got some great desert sunsets here -- it's unbelievable," said Gemma. "The ballpark's right in the middle of a picture-perfect setting. With the palm trees in the outfield, everything comes together so beautifully."

A club level, complete with a full-service restaurant, allows fans to dine on fine cuisine while watching the game. Season-ticket holders can also catch the 51s from seats located on the club level.

"There aren't any luxury suites, there's no jumbotron -- it's an older park compared to all the others we've seen in today's age of new-and-improved ballparks. But that's part of what makes Cashman so great," said Gemma.

Another feature that Cashman Field offers fans is the Party Zone: a 150-capacity picnic area down the left-field line that juts onto the playing field.

Gemma says that because the Party Zone is field-level, fans get one of the best views of the game in the ballpark. The bullpens in left field are also smaller than those in right field as a result of the Party Zone's location.

Another convenient aspect of Cashman Field is its proximity to Los Angeles, where the 51s' parent team plays. It is about 250 miles from the city the Dodgers call home.

"It's about a four-hour drive, and there's a flight virtually every hour going back and forth so it's nice to know players can go between the two with no problems," Gemma explained. "It's also very important from a player-development standpoint, especially since we're Triple-A."

Cashman Field has also hosted Major League exhibition games every April in what is called "Big League Weekend." There have also been more than 10 Dodgers who have played at Cashman Field so far this season as part of their rehabilitation for injuries.

Cashman Field has the challenge of being in one of the most entertaining cities in the world. But even though it may not be the first place Vegas-travelers think of visiting, Gemma says the ballpark has done a great job of becoming part of the community.

"We're the closest thing [Vegas has] to a Major League team in any sport," Gemma said. "Las Vegas doesn't have any other professional teams that the fans can call their own. Everyone in Vegas knows where Cashman Field is, and they are proud of it."