Plan a trip to see MiLB's newest ballparks
Several Minor League ballparks are currently under construction, and even more are in the planning stages. Nonetheless, 2024 will mark the third straight season in which no new facilities open their doors. But lest we forget: A mere three years ago, a whopping six Minor League ballparks debuted for the
Several Minor League ballparks are currently under construction, and even more are in the planning stages. Nonetheless, 2024 will mark the third straight season in which no new facilities open their doors.
But lest we forget: A mere three years ago, a whopping six Minor League ballparks debuted for the first time. Some of these stadiums were scheduled to open in 2021, while others were holdovers following the 2020 Minor League season that wasn’t.
These half-dozen stadiums -- and 113 more -- are included in the Minor League Ballpark Guide series, presented by Wyndham, designed to help fans learn about the Minor League landscape while also serving as a road trip planning resource.
ABC Supply Stadium – Beloit Sky Carp (High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins)
ABC Supply Stadium
217 Shirland Avenue
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 362-2272
The Beloit Sky Carp reside in Wisconsin, just a foul ball away from Illinois. The construction of ABC Supply Stadium granted Minor League Baseball a new lease on life in this small city, as predecessor Pohlman Field offered little in the way of player or fan amenities. In tandem with the move to a new ballpark, Beloit’s long-standing Midwest League team changed its name from the Snappers to the Sky Carp.
If you are planning to visit Beloit, make time to stop by Beyer Stadium in nearby Rockford, Ill. This classic park served as the home of the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional League from 1943-54.
Atrium Health Ballpark – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Single-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox)
Atrium Health Ballpark
1 Cannon Baller Way
Kannapolis, NC 28081
704-932-3267
Kannapolis is also a small-market Minor League city enjoying a new baseball era. Atrium Health Ballpark is located in the heart of downtown and boasts a view of myriad stately structures (including Kannapolis Town Hall). The Cannon Ballers moniker -- connoting a larger carnival-esque atmosphere -- came into being in tandem with the new ballpark. The team was previously known as the Intimidators, in honor of beloved native son Dale “The Intimidator” Earnhardt. A nod to Earnhardt can still be found via Cannon Ballers mascot Boomer, who boasts a strikingly similar mustache.
At Atrium Health Ballpark, indulge in the time-honored pairing of roasted corn and the team's own Baller Beer. While wandering the concourse, say hello to keyboardist Jason “Greazy Keyz” Atkins. He’s stationed right behind home plate and takes requests.
Polar Park – Worcester Red Sox (Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox)
Polar Park
100 Madison Street
Worcester, MA 01608
508-500-1000
Worcester, located in the heart of Massachusetts, has a long professional baseball history (including a three-year stint in the 1880s hosting a National League franchise). However, from 1934-2020, no Minor League teams played there. This interminable void came to end with the 2021 arrival of the Worcester Red Sox -- commonly referred to as the WooSox – who relocated from Pawtucket, R.I.
The WooSox’s downtown home of Polar Park is a quirky and creative facility, built on uneven terrain and boasting a variety of unique vantage points. Right field is home to the Worcester Wall, a mirror-image blue version of Fenway Park’s Green Monster. Grab a seat there after obtaining a George’s Coney Island Dog, the most popular concession item in the ballpark.
Riverfront Stadium – Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins)
Riverfront Stadium
275 S. McClean Boulevard
Wichita, KS 67213
(316) 221-8000
Riverfront Stadium was originally built to house a Triple-A team, the relocating New Orleans Baby Cakes. This did not come to pass. Following the lost 2020 season and subsequent reorganization of Minor League Baseball, the newly rechristened Wichita Wind Surge were shifted to the Double-A Texas League and designated a Twins affiliate.
No matter the level of play, Riverfront Stadium is an airy and expansive locale from which to view a game. It was built atop the same location as the city’s previous Minor League ballpark Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Information regarding this facility, and all eras of the region’s baseball history, can be found within the onsite Wichita Baseball Museum.
Toyota Field – Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels)
Toyota Field
500 Trash Pandas Way
Madison, AL 35758
256-325-1403
When the Trash Pandas made their debut at Toyota Field in 2021, it marked the return of Minor League Baseball to the Huntsville, Ala., area after a six-year absence. Toyota Field, located in the affluent suburb of Madison, fully embraces the ridiculousness of the Trash Pandas moniker. Shop for merch at The Junkyard team store; grab a snack at the Dumpster Dive concession stand.
In addition to a full embrace of garbage, the Trash Pandas’ name and logos celebrate outer space exploration. If visiting Toyota Field, take the time to check out-of-this-world local attractions such as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Virginia Credit Union Stadium – Fredericksburg Nationals (Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals)
Virginia Credit Union Stadium
42 Jackie Robinson Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-858-4242
Virginia Credit Union Stadium was built to house the team formerly known as the Potomac Nationals, who played in Woodbridge, Va. The ballpark is located just to the west of I-95, within a developing area of Fredericksburg known as Central Park. Unique features include a hand-operated scoreboard and a center-field History Wall that illuminates baseball’s deep roots in the area.
The FredNats’ branding includes various George Washington-themed elements, as our nation’s first president grew up nearby and his mother went on to live in Fredericksburg proper. Her house is one of the many historic attractions in the city’s downtown.
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.