Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Haymarket Park
403 Line Drive Cr
Lincoln, NE 68508
Year Opened: 2001
Capacity: 8,500
Home of the Saltdogs
Haymarket Park is home to the Lincoln Saltdogs of the independent American Association and the University of Nebraska baseball team. Named for its location in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket District, the ballpark and adjacent softball field cost just under $30 million to build in 2001.
The Saltdogs began play when the Madison Black Wolf were sold and moved to Nebraska following the 2001 season. After spending five seasons in the Northern League, the Saltdogs, along with three other teams, started the American Association in 2005. The Saltdogs have won one league championship, in 2009.
The name Saltdogs is a nod to the history of the city of Lincoln. The city was founded on a salt flat back in the mid-1800s.
Food & Beverage 4
Haymarket Park offers a good selection of concessions for hungry Saltdog fans. All your basic ballpark fare can be found here, plus some extra items worth checking out.
Concession stands on either side of the diamond offer local favorites from Fairbury hot dogs and Valentino’s pizza. Variety is achieved through the offering of items including bratwurst, BBQ pork sandwiches and brisket sandwiches.
A separate building behind home plate houses The Wind Up, where specialty nachos are sold, and the Craft Corner, featuring an extensive listing of both craft and national beers.
Pepsi products are featured at Haymarket Park. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from national brands including Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Budweiser, Bud Light and Leinenkugel. Craft beers from local breweries Zipline Brewing, Empyrean Brewing, Kinkaider Brewing, Backswing Brewing Company and many more are sold throughout Haymarket Park.
Atmosphere 3
Veteran fans of minor league baseball will find a lot that is familiar at a Lincoln Saltdogs game. All the elements of a typical game day presentation can be found here, from the fuzzy mascot to a new video scoreboard to between inning games for the kids and a full promotional schedule.
Younger fans in attendance will certainly be drawn to the playground in deep right field or the play area in deep left field that features inflatables. Parents can charge their phones at the charging station while the kids release some energy. The large berm in left field is a popular place for kids to run around during the game, and the home run porch in right field is covered with an awning, providing relief from the hot summer sun and a place to enjoy a cool drink.
Neighborhood 5
Haymarket Park gets its name from the nearby Haymarket District. Originally an open-air market and town gathering place, it is located just a few blocks from the ballpark. Visiting fans will find plenty of places to eat, lodging options and things to do there. More information on the shops, restaurants and activities present in the Haymarket District can be found here.
Sports fans may be more interested in exploring Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, which is visible beyond the center field fence. Pinnacle Bank Arena, home of the Cornhuskers basketball team, is visible beyond the right field fence. Downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska campus are within walking distance of the ballpark.
Fans 4
The Saltdogs annually average around 3,400 fans per game at Haymarket Park, which places them in the top half of teams in the American Association.
Crowds at Haymarket Park are fairly typical of other independent ballparks across the country. A mix of families, locals and diehard fans fill the stands. The team markets to families and groups, meaning that not everyone is fully into the action on the field, but they are hardly distracting, and people watching is always part of the fun at a minor league ballpark, anyway.
Access 4
Haymarket Park is easy to find, located near I-180 and the University of Nebraska campus. Walking bridges connect the ballpark to the campus and downtown areas.
The ballpark features a 360 degree concourse with an open design, making the field visible from all points. There are two levels of seating, featuring individual stadium seating. Large berms lining the outfield double the ballpark’s seating capacity. Restrooms are clean and more than sufficient for a typical Saltdog crowd.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets to Saltdogs games vary in price from nine dollars for berm tickets to $19 for club seats behind home plate. The majority of seats at Haymarket Park range from $10-$15. Children under 12 years old and senior citizens receive a dollar off all tickets.
Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the ballpark. Concession specials are offered on certain nights, making a visit to see the Saltdogs an affordable entertainment option for Lincoln sports fans.
Extras 2
An extra point is awarded for the view beyond the outfield fence. Memorial Stadium, Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Nebraska State Capitol building are visible from the seating bowl. The Capitol building, with its 400 foot tower (the second tallest capitol building in the country), can be seen from over 20 miles away.
A second point is awarded for the integration of activities for the whole family, from the play areas and berm spaces for younger fans, the active mascot, Homer the dog, and the wide selection of craft beer for adult fans. There is something for everyone at Haymarket Park.
Final Thoughts
Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small town feel and modern amenities.
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