Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Isotopes Park
Springfield
A Fool’s Day at The Duff
Duff Stadium, formerly known as Springfield War Memorial Stadium, is home to the Springfield Isotopes, the minor league affiliate of the Capital City Capitals. Although the stadium has long been home to the team, a few years ago the owners hatched a secret plot to move the team to Albuquerque, which was discovered and foiled by superfan Homer Simpson after he launched a hunger strike and chained himself to a nearby flagpole. The Mayor of Albuquerque subsequently attempted to purchase the Dallas Cowboys and force them to play baseball, but this too was unsuccessful. The Isotopes have staged a number of unusual promotions over the years, including Tomato Day and Dart Day, both of which involved throwing said items at members of the Communist Party.
Food & Beverage 4
Duff Stadium is known for its large selection, and we mean that literally. Whether it’s giant burgers, giant popcorn buckets, or giant cups of that famous local beer that lends its name to the stadium, you’ll certainly eat your heart out at Duff Stadium, figuratively and perhaps literally as well given the calorie count of those things.
However, for fans looking for a healthier option, Bell Peppers are available from roving sellers throughout the stadium.
Atmosphere 5
The atmosphere at Duff Stadium has really improved since Hungry Hungry Homer staged his protest. What was once an empty stadium is now full of rowdy fans. Whether it’s encouraging fans to throw tomatoes at Communists or pretzels at despised local billionaire Monty Burns, the team sure does know how to keep fans engaged, and they seem to have largely forgiven ownership for the aborted move to New Mexico.
Neighborhood 4
Springfield is a constantly-changing neighborhood, but some things do remain the same. Moe’s Tavern has been located in the town for years, and although it sometimes tries to do a rebranding, these never seen to last very long. The Springfield Mystery Spot is a local tourist attraction as well, but many have gotten permanently lost in it, including baseball legend Ozzie Smith. Don’t let that happen to you.
Fans 3
The Isotopes’ fans can best be described as a powder keg crowd, always ready to riot over the silliest little thing. Whether it’s Mr. Burns winning a new car despite being rich enough to buy the entire auto plant or a group of kids botching the national anthem, the crowd will erupt in violence over the slightest provocation. It’s good for the crowd to have energy, but you usually want that to be directed towards cheering the players on the field, not attacking each other.
Access 3
Duff Stadium has a regular parking lot as well as VIP and valet parking. However, a group of local hooligans led by one Bart Simpson have been known to rearrange the signs to get fans to drive in the complete opposite direction. Be sure you are parking in the right lot, folks! Otherwise you may wind up getting towed or driving all the way to Shelbeyville and you wouldn’t want that, would you?
Return on Investment 4
Duff Stadium can be a good value for fans, especially if you go with a large group, like on Nuclear Power Plant Night.
Extras 3
One star for the chance to see numerous local celebrities hanging out at the ballpark, including Mr. Burns, Kent Brockman, Krusty the Clown, murderous supergenius baby Maggie Simpson, and telenovela comedian Bumblebee Man. Where else can you get so up close and personal with these fellows?
A second star for the incredible attention to detail by putting four fingers on hand of the foam fingers they have available for sale to reflect the strange condition that seems to affect everyone in this town except for God and Jesus.
A third and final star for the corporate name honoring a famous local business. If you’re reading that here, you must know what day it is today.
Final Thoughts
A pretty, really ideal location for our own lovely stadium.