Fifth Third Field - Toledo Mud Hens
- Meg Minard
- Jul 15
- 6 min read
Photos by Meg Minard and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Fifth Third Field 406 Washington St Toledo, OH 43604
Year Opened: 2002
Capacity: 10,025
Toledo’s All in With the Mud Hens
The minor league baseball team Toledo Mud Hens is famously tied to the TV series M*A*S*H, thanks to Corporal Klinger’s frequent boasts about his hometown team. During the Korean War (the time period of the M*A*S*H show), the team played at Swayne Field. The Mud Hens played at Ned Skeldon Stadium during the TV show’s run (1970s/early‑1980s) and moved to the brand-new, downtown Fifth Third Field in 2002.
Fifth Third Field is an admirable AAA park, located right downtown, with ornate gates, ample concourse room, plenty of between-inning entertainment, and good baseball.
Baseball in Toledo dates back to 1883. Since 1987, the Mud Hens have served as the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and are members of the International League. They’ve won the Governors' Cup (the baseball trophy awarded to the champion team of the International League), three times: in 1967, 2005, and 2006.
Food & Beverage 4
Fifth Third Field offers a decent array of choices, with the better ones down the third base line.
Grab & Go pre-packaged baskets, sandwiches (burgers, chicken, sausage, etc.), and a variety of beer and Pepsi product choices. Cleverly named Mudzarella’s provides the pizza choices at the park. Frogtown sells nachos, chips and salsa, quesadillas, etc. Glass City Cheesesteaks kiosk offers Philly steaks and brats.
Gilhooley Sports Bar and Grill is named after former Hen’s broadcaster Frank Gilhooley, who broadcast games from 1953-2010. Photos of his career are plastered on the walls in a spot that resembles a restaurant. Burgers are grilled in front of the customers and have names such as the “BacHen” Burger and the Bloomin’ Bacon Burger. You can also order an all-beef hot dog or grilled chicken sandwich.
Several draft‑beer kiosks line the concourse, pouring craft selections from Ohio and Michigan breweries such as Twin Oast, Saugatuck Brewing, Columbus Brewery, and Maumee Bay Brewing. Stop at Klinger’s Corner Bar, down the first base line for cocktails or a beer.
Frozhen is the best place for dessert, offering ice cream bowls, pints, and cones. Get there early, as long lines appear on those hot summer afternoons and evenings. Next door, Frozhen Cocktails serves vodka‑based frozen drinks in flavors like blue raspberry, lemon, and margarita.
Most stands sell traditional popcorn, peanuts, and pretzel snacks along with Pepsi-brand sodas, water, and domestic beers.
The concessions have plenty to fill you up.
Atmosphere 3
The Mud Hens provide a typical minor league game day experience with plenty of between-inning activities, unnecessary music and noise, and a well-played baseball game.
The stadium holds a little over 10,000 fans with three levels of seats and tiered picnic-style seating in the outfield. For evening games, the outfield seats face into the setting sun, so bring sunglasses and a hat if sitting there.
The infield seats get shade, though the downtown view is blocked from high-level rows (the ones nearer the concourse) due to the second-level overhang. Steps do not have banisters, so avoid those if you have trouble walking up and down stairways. The bullpen warm-ups are right on the field, in front of the seats just beyond the first and third bases. It’s pretty cool being so close to watch that.
Between-inning entertainment includes a sausage toss, condiment race (ketchup, mustard, relish), freeze cam, kiss cam, and the like. The starting lineups are not posted, but fans can pick up a filled-in, printed score card at the customer service table. It even has a spot for ABS challenge results. While it’s a fantastic idea, some may find the print too small to read.
The sound tech person must be very uncomfortable with silence; there’s some kind of 'noise' between every pitch, even while the announcer is talking. It’s such a treat on the rare occasion no noise is played, and fans can actually hear the sounds of the game. Fans with sensory issues should probably avoid attending a game here.
Neighborhood 4
Fifth Third Field sits in downtown Toledo’s revitalized Warehouse District, known as Hensville, which features restaurants, bars, rooftop venues, shops, and Hensville Park for concerts and community events.
For places to eat, The Blarney Irish Pub, Hannon's Block Restaurant (American Classics), Assembly American Brasserie, Ye Olde Durty Bird (Gastropub) come recommended, and all are less than a block from the ballpark.
Right across from the home plate entrance is Quenched & Tempered Brewing Co. Taproom (excellent brews), and Ye Olde Cock n' Bull Tavern (local pub). For a fantastic view, try Fleetwood’s Rooftop; it’s one of the most popular rooftop bars in Toledo, but only open Fridays and Saturdays from 4 pm - midnight.
When you’re in town, visit the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, and families with kids can head to the Imagination Station for hands-on science or burning off energy at indoor trampoline parks and playgrounds. Explore the developing Glass City Riverwalk along the Maumee Riverfront, where green space and an array of recreational opportunities are enjoyed.
The Detroit Tigers, the Mud Hens parent team, are an hour’s drive north, or you can catch a Detroit City FC match as well.
Fans looking to stay near the ballpark should consider the Homewood Suites by Hilton Toledo Downtown, right across from the park, or the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel, a little less than a mile from Fifth Third Field.
Fans 3
Fans appreciate the Mud Hens, are mostly focused on the game, and make visitors feel comfortable. They cheer when their club scores a run or makes a great play. Many are there for the social aspect, which is an important part of minor league baseball, but crowds are in their seats and watching the action on the field.
The Mud Hens have averaged over 6,000 fans per game, making them a popular team in the AAA circuit.
Access 3
Driving is the best option.
On select days, fans may be able to take the Muddy Shuttle from five areas in the Toledo suburbs. Click Muddy Shuttle for more information. TARTA route 27 has the closest bus stop to the park, but be sure to check return times as they may stop before the end of the game.
Several garages and lots surround the ballpark: 15 S St Clair St Parking, Summit Street Parking Garage, and Commodore Perry Parking Garage are all close to the stadium. They tend to run $5 - $10, but some are as high as $20 (more than a ticket). Metered parking spaces are available in downtown Toledo, but they get taken quickly.
Once inside, Fifth Third Field offers a wraparound concourse and easy access to concession stands and exits. The concourses are wide enough and only get crowded after the game. Unfortunately, the infield seating area does not have banisters; I recommend that fans needing that leverage and support purchase seats in the top row and handicapped areas.
Several clean restrooms are scattered along the concourse, and the park has four family restrooms.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets generally range from $13 to $15, $2 more for weekend games, so it’s an affordable evening out. Concessions are the typical higher-priced amounts, with alcohol running $11 - $17, soda $4.50 - $5, and snacks and entrees costing $5 - $15.50.
Parking prices can run high. Take the Muddy Shuttle if you can, to save a few bucks on parking. Have a beer or bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the neighborhood pre-game to avoid the higher-priced stadium concessions.
All in all, it is a decent return on your sports dollar budget.
Extras 3
Mike Hessman Home Run Alley honors Mike Hessman, the all‑time minor league home run leader, a Mud Hens legend, and a longtime fan favorite known for his power, longevity, and clubhouse presence. He hit his record‑breaking homer (433) at Fifth Third Field.
The Swamp Shop offers a wide range of team merchandise and is worth a stop.
The ballpark’s downtown setting creates a walkable neighborhood built around baseball, bars, restaurants, and renovated historic buildings.
Final Thoughts
The Toledo Mud Hens provide a decent minor league baseball experience that is entertaining, while keeping the game on the field as the focus of the experience. They just need to reduce the barrage of noise between pitches and let the sounds of baseball be heard more often.
