Parkview Field Ranked No. 1 Ballpark Experience in Minors

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Parkview Field may soon need a bigger trophy case.

For the third consecutive year, and for the fifth time in the last six years, Stadium Journey has ranked the home of the TinCaps as the best ballpark experience in all of Minor League Baseball. That's out of 160 venues, ranging from the Rookie level up through Triple-A.

Click here to see the complete rankings.

"A team with a facility as impressive as Parkview Field could easily just open the gates and let the fans roll in," says Stadium Journey's review. "The TinCaps organization does nothing of the sort. This organization strives to offer fans one of the best game day experiences anywhere. This commitment is evident from the top of the organization to the game-day employees working throughout the ballpark. From the moment you step foot in Parkview Field you will find a dedication to customer service that is unmatched not only in minor league baseball, but in all of sports."

The ranking is based on Stadium Journey's "FANFARE" scale. Reviewers evaluate several factors, including the food and beverages served at the park, the overall game day atmosphere, the neighborhood where the ballpark resides, the fans, access within and to/from the ballpark, the overall return on investment, and one category for any unique extras.

Parkview Field is rated a 4.7 out of 5.0. The TinCaps received perfect scores for Food and Beverage, Atmosphere, Fans, Return on Investment, and Extras.

"As brand new ballparks continue to go up around the country, it's almost unbelievable for Parkview Field to take this honor again," said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. "We appreciate the amazing efforts Stadium Journey goes to putting this ranking together and are grateful for the recognition.

"Just look at the criteria for how ballparks are ranked, and you can tell this is a total team effort. And our team includes so many people who deserve credit for this. We have literally close to 1,000 people on our team working at Parkview Field in various roles throughout the year who should take pride in being No. 1, not to mention our fans, of course. This really is such a testament to the energy right now in Downtown Fort Wayne."

The TinCaps, who moved into Parkview Field in 2009, drew a franchise record 413,701 fans in 2016 (an average of 6,084 per game).

Over the last year, Parkview Field has also welcomed more than 130,000 guests for some 600-plus non-TinCaps events. From smaller-scale parties, weddings, and business meetings to major events like Fort4Fitness, K105 CountryFest, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Patriotic Pops Concert, the TinCaps and Parkview Field are home to far more than just baseball.

The ballpark continues to serve as a public park, too, open from 7 a.m. until sunset every day.  

"Another tremendous honor," tweeted Fort Wayne's Mayor Tom Henry. "Thanks (to the TinCaps) for being a leader in the positive momentum we're experiencing in the City of Fort Wayne."  

Parkview Field will open its gates for the 2017 season on Saturday, April 8, when the TinCaps host the Bowling Green Hot Rods at 6:05 p.m. Tickets for Opening Night are set to go on sale Wednesday, Nov. 23.

2016 TinCaps Organizational Honors

• No. 1 Minor League Ballpark Experience (Stadium Journey)
• Minor League Baseball's John H. Johnson President's Award Nominee (Midwest League)
• Best Class A Ballpark (Ballpark Digest)
• Top 25 in Merchandise Sales (Minor League Baseball)
• Individual of Integrity Award - Team President Mike Nutter (Better Business Bureau)