Skip to content
Search
Search
 

6 Fun Minor League Ballparks

Travelers find local flavor and a casual vibe at baseball games in these great towns

by Bill Fink, AARP, July 8, 2021

Nashville Sounds

Nashville Sound

En español | Minor league baseball is back! After pandemic-restrictions erased the 2020 season, the minor leagues resumed play this May to the delight of players and fans in 120 cities and towns across the country. The teams’ smaller ballparks create casual settings closer to the players, with cheaper tickets and concessions than their major league counterparts. The minor league baseball park experience is one that Minor League Baseball Communications Director Jeff Lantz likes to compare to “the front porch of communities, a place to hang out and chat over a couple beers and hotdogs."

But it's not just locals enjoying the games. Travelers on road trips around the country can take in a ballgame and a slice of regional life in a family-friendly setting. And who knows, you may see a future Hall of Famer performing for you and a couple thousand fans on a warm night with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes or the Fort Meyers Mighty Mussels.

The minor leagues have a tradition of wacky promotions, and 2021 is no exception, with hand sanitizer and toilet paper giveaways, along with more traditional events like dollar hotdog days and postgame fireworks.

While there are great minor league experiences all around the country, we've highlighted six ballparks that host Class AAA teams (the closest to the majors) in tourist-friendly towns, where the stadium experience makes it well worth a visit. But you can also check out the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams page, and likely find a team close to wherever you happen to be visiting.

All stadiums are ADA compliant. Many ballparks have (small) senior discounts, and some Senior Day specials. Most teams began the season with limited capacity due to the pandemic, but are now shifting to full capacity as states’ regulations change — check out an individual team's website for the latest updates.

The minor league season continues through mid September, with about 60 home games for each team. So there's still plenty of time to grab some dollar dogs and enjoy an evening with the Rocket City Trash Pandas or the Hartford Yard Goats, or wherever your road trip happens to take you. Play ball!

Bill Fink is an award-winning travel writer with credits in dozens of publications including National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Outside magazine and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Also of Interest

AARP Travel Center

Call: 1.800.675.4318

Search Flights

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid date

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid date

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Flight 2

Enter a valid date

Flight 3

Enter a valid date

Flight 4

Enter a valid date

Flight 5

Enter a valid date

Add Another Flight

Search Hotels

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

Room 1

Room 2

Room 3

Room 4

Room 5

Room 6

Room 7

Room 8

Search Packages

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

You didn't specify child's age

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Room 1

There are children in rooms without an adult

You didn't specify child's age

You didn't specify child's age

Room 2

There are children in rooms without an adult

You didn't specify child's age

You didn't specify child's age

Room 3

There are children in rooms without an adult

You didn't specify child's age

You didn't specify child's age

Room 4

There are children in rooms without an adult

You didn't specify child's age

You didn't specify child's age

Room 5

There are children in rooms without an adult

You didn't specify child's age

You didn't specify child's age

You have more than 6 people total

Please select a trip duration less than 28 days

There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap

Search Cars

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

Search Cruises

Select a valid location

Select a month

Search Things to Do

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date