Minor league baseball is a fun, affordable itinerary element for groups with a penchant for exciting sports at these Midwest baseball parks
In contrast to the challenges and expenses involved in organizing a trip to a major league game, attending a minor league baseball game offers a far more accessible and relaxed experience. You can watch your favorite game with a sense of intimacy and casual enjoyment.
Entertainment and giveaways between innings keep everyone engaged. The players, some of them destined to become the stars of tomorrow, are happy to sign autographs and pose for photos. Many minor league teams are affiliated with Major League Baseball clubs, but there are plenty of independent teams, too.
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Here are some of the best minor league ballparks guaranteed to be a home run on your trip:
Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park (Columbus, OH)
Huntington Park is home to the Columbus (Ohio) Clippers minor league baseball team.
Located in downtown’s buzzing Arena District sits Huntington Park, the Clippers’ 10,000-seat home for the last fifteen years. According to BallparkDigest.com, Huntington Park “comes as close to perfection as we’ve seen in any ballpark” and has “a firm grasp on the grand history of baseball and a commitment to the latest in fan comforts.”
For groups interested in watching the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, there are tons of different views from which you can catch a game. Hang out in the Left Field Building at the 110-foot bar and overlook the field from the second story or check out the third-story pavilion with an open-air rooftop with bleachers reminiscent of Wrigley Field. With the views at Huntington Park, it’s impossible to strike out.
Iowa Cubs at Principal Park (Des Moines, IA)
Chicago Cubs fans from throughout the Midwest flock to Iowa’s capital city every summer to watch up-and-coming stars on the Principal Park field. The Triple-A Iowa Cubs were the training ground for current big-league players like Colin Rea, who currently plays for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Anthony Rizzo, who now plays for the New York Yankees. Principal Park sits at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, offering fantastic views of the State Capitol and the downtown skyline.
With 11,500 seats, this minor league park is a major tourist attraction. For groups, the ballpark features The Right Field Party Deck, which includes a section of bleacher seating located beneath the scoreboard, or The Left Field Lounge, a climate-controlled space available for groups of up to 70 people to rent for a semi-private space. On hot summer days, kids can cool off in the splash fountain in the right-field corner or check out the two-story play area in the right-field concourse. This Midwest baseball park is a grand slam for every member of the family!
Kane County Cougars at Northwestern Medicine Field (Geneva, IL)
Kane County Cougars minor league baseball.
Suburban Chicago’s only team with a Major League affiliation, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Class-A Kane County Cougars, play in the shadow of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox. Northwestern Medicine Field offers a fun experience at a fraction of the cost of a Wrigley Field or Fenway Park. This minor league park, less than an hour from Chicago, has a series of party areas, including outfield decks, rooftop decks and private suites. The Strike Zone Premier Seats behind home plate provide waiter service and 360-degree swiveling seats at four-person tables. Experience love at first pitch and check out Northwestern Medicine Field and its star players.
Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field (Beloit, WI)
Beloit Snappers minor league baseball team.
Fans coming to see Class A-affiliates the Beloit Sky Carp will be welcomed with entertaining games and a family-friendly atmosphere at Pohlman Field. At this minor league baseball park, you’ll get all the thrill of a professional baseball game while being up close to the action! Not only can you attend an exciting game without breaking the bank, but your kids can check out the fun activities and exciting games in the areas designated for children. This Midwest baseball park goes above and beyond to give fans of all ages a full swing baseball experience!
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