One of my goals is to visit every Major League Baseball stadium in the country. But as enjoyable as it is to go around the country visiting MLB stadiums, minor league ballparks offer a uniquely different kind of appeal. MLB games are great to attend because we love to follow our favorite teams, and most of the current ballparks are pretty fan-friendly places to watch a game. The minors are a little different; for most fans, the experience depends more on how well the organization is able to engage with the fans rather than which team wins or loses.
If the team knows how to do things right, minor league ballparks have some serious advantages. For one, they are highly affordable. Instead of paying north of $50 for a field level seat at a big league park, you can get a seat in the same spot for under $15. Most minor league parks have sections where you'll pay no more than $10, and it's not like those are bad seats. Because these stadiums only hold a few thousand fans, every seat is relatively close to the field. In turn, smaller capacity parks just have a different kind of atmosphere. You can be much closer to the game and the significantly smaller number of fans also means that everyone is a lot more connected during the game.
Of course, the best way that minor league teams get fans to come to the games is on the promotions side of things. It's probably the most recognizable factor that separates the minor league fan experience from an MLB park. Everything from prized giveaways and unique stadium amenities to side events and crazy theme nights is taken into consideration. For example, instead of T-shirts, the class AA Montgomery Biscuits launch actual biscuits into the crowd.
Star Wars nights have become a popular event at ballparks across the country, but some minor league teams take it to the next level by dressing their players according to the theme. Last year, the Altoona Curve wore these Jabba the Hutt jerseys and held a lightsaber fight on the field.
Speaking of jerseys, the Lakewood Blueclaws are holding their first annual "Caturday", this week. During this celebration of cats, fans will be allowed to bring their feline friends to the game. The team will also be wearing jerseys picturing dozens of cats, which will be auctioned off for charity:
Besides many theme nights, minor league teams also draw by giving away cool items, sometimes related to former players who have gone on to become big league stars. On the other hand, teams can also benefit from having a popular player like Jose Canseco on their roster, who has played for numerous minor league teams since he last played in the majors in 2001.
There's also ways that teams can create popular events out of completely nonsensical ideas. One of the best examples is the aforementioned Altoona Curve, who have in the past hosted an "Awful Night", where the team attempted to give fans the worst experience possible. Features included having the stadium announcer mispronounce players names and playing William Shatner's music all night long.
Of course, most of time, the goal is to give the fans the most enjoyable experience possible. One team that does an exceptional job of providing in-game entertainment is the Rockland Boulders of the Can-Am League. Their home ballpark, Palisades Credit Union Park, is a beautiful place to visit, and the team enhances the experience by providing some type of theme night or promotion almost every game. They also have their own version of a mascot race, which has become a fan favorite, as well as a train for kids that drives around the concourse. Some of the promotional highlights of the 2016 season so far have been Nik Wallenda's skywalk across the stadium, which I detailed in last week's article, and appearances by Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and Sgt. Slaughter.
Above all, there may be nothing more enticing about a ballpark than a great backdrop and view. Because of the limited seating capacity, there is more room for creativity when designing these ballparks. I haven't been to either, but two stadiums I would love to visit just for the scenic views are Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa, which is pictured in this article's cover photo, and Smith's Ballpark, home of the Salt Lake Bees, shown below.
Next time you're looking for a game to catch on a road trip, or even locally, try checking out some of the minor league stadiums. Yes, some are more worth it than others, but the better ballparks offer a unique experience that you don't find at professional sporting events.
