Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Jim Patterson Stadium 1 S 2nd St Louisville, KY 40208
Year Opened: 2005
Capacity: 4,000
Everything’s in the Cards for Louisville Baseball
Jim Patterson Stadium is a beauty of a college ballpark and home to the University of Louisville Cardinal baseball team. In 2005, the initial cost of the stadium was $8.5 million and was privately funded by Mr. and Mrs. Patterson; and, just a few years later in 2012, the couple contributed $4 million more to upgrade the facility.
The stadium upgrades were also helped by fan donations of autographed baseballs in colors of red and gold that were purchased and displayed in a giant Cardinal logo on the back of home plate. The improvements increased capacity to 4,000 and the stadium has been able to host both NCAA Regional and Super Regional games.
The field itself is FieldTurf except the pitcher’s mound and batter’s box. These two areas feature dirt that was transported from the university’s former home Parkway Field which was home to the Cards from 1952-1997. There is another nod to the former baseball field, the first 8 feet of the roof supports were constructed from its left field wall in the speckled colors of green and red.
A visit to a game on the weekends makes for a nice alternative to ball games at nearby Louisville Slugger Field and with all home games free of charge and discounted concession items it is very affordable.
"Jim Patterson Stadium is a respectable college ballpark that offers more bang for your buck in Louisville."
Food & Beverage 4
There are two main concession stands in the back of home plate. The options include hot dogs, brats, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn. Fans will also find Pepsi products and premium and domestic beer products. There are also specialty hot dogs depending on the homestand; during our visit, it was a street corn dog.
The Ville Grill is located behind the 3rd base stand and offers grilled Philly Cheese Steaks and burgers, along with soda and beer. Ehrler’s Ice Cream offers an ice cream stand with six different flavors, including sherbet. A walk behind the grass berm in the right field features another grill with burgers, brats, hot dogs, and beverages.
The alcoholic beverage options include Miller Lite, Modelo, Bud Light, Yuengling, Michelob Ultra, and White Claw. Fans can also choose Pepsi products in a U of L souvenir cup for a few dollars extra.
There is enough at the concession stands for food and drink to satisfy fans at the game. It is the simple, basic, and familiar items a customer would expect at a baseball game and when you throw in a few different drink options and grilled sandwiches, it's a bonus.
Atmosphere 4
It’s a college venue that feels like a low-level minor league park of two decades ago but without the promotions and overzealous public announcer. The 3,000 chair back seats are of the red bucket variety, while a 6,400 square foot terrace sits directly in the back on top offering wheelchair accessibility and the press box area.
The ballpark offers various features that set it apart from your normal college venues in the area. Three large baseball bats near the front entrance form a water fountain, various large baseballs are embedded into the ground and act as speed bumps, and a gorgeous glass case of the school’s Cardinal logo is filled with autographed baseballs inside the main concourse.
The U of L provides various promotional nights to enhance the experience at the ballpark that includes Bud Three Buck Night Fridays (Bud and Pepsi products), Trivia Tuesdays, Saturdays on the Berm (brats/burgers on the patio), and Family Fun Days on Sundays (inflatables and kids run the bases).
The weekend is an opportune time to take in a game as crowds are larger and certain concession prices are heavily discounted. It is also a great time to bring out the kids as inflatable rides are on display on Sundays and the play area behind center field should keep them busy if baseball is not yet their source of entertainment.
There is no smoking allowed at Patterson Stadium and clear bags of 12x6x12, plastic storage bags, and clutch bags/small purses 4.5x6.5 are allowed inside the stadium. A souvenir stand is on the 1st base side of the concourse offering caps, t-shirts, and home jerseys.
Neighborhood 4
The ballpark is across the train tracks from Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and the street from Churchill Downs, two of the city’s premier sports venues. The area is also home to many other U of L athletic facilities south of campus.
There are a few chain restaurants near the stadium and a few local Mexican places, El Molcajete, Santa Fe Grill, and Señor Iguanas. The Kentucky Derby Museum is within walking distance. However, the best places for food and entertainment are elsewhere in town: Franklin Avenue, Bardstown Road, and downtown.
A few recommendations while in town would be the Louisville Slugger Museum, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Franklin Avenue Beer Depot for tantalizing barbecue, and Shirley Mae’s Cafe for low-key, but very good soul food.
Fans 4
The Cardinals have been one of the better ball clubs in the conference the past few seasons and fans have been flocking to the stadium to watch them play. They display red throughout the building and cheer on their favorites out on the field. Not too shocking, since the city supports its college football and basketball teams with equal passion.
Access 4
There is a large parking lot in the back of left field that is more than ample for the number of customers who attend games. There is also parking down the first baseline, but it can fill up quickly for certain games, most notably on weekends. However, once inside, it is rather simple to get around the ballpark, but the bathrooms are somewhat cramped.
Return on Investment 5
Ticket prices are as low as $5 on the grass berm behind left field wall. An adult ticket in the grandstand is $12, youth and senior tickets are $8, and Louisville students with an ID are admitted for free inside the ballpark. Parking is free around the stadium and if attending a game on Friday night, the fan will enjoy $3 Budweiser products and Pepsi products.
Extras 3
The use of the outfield wall from Parkway Field not only provides a nice connection to the program’s past but jazzes up the concourse area with a little artistic flair.
The promotional nights should be well received by people of all ages. There are nights where hot dogs, sodas, and beers are just a buck, and kids are allowed to run the bases. Depending on who you are with, there should be a night that will satisfy you and your entourage.
Final Thoughts
Jim Patterson Stadium is more than a respectable venue to enjoy college baseball during the warm spring months in Louisville. The promotions, aesthetics, concession prices, and weekend games make it well worth the nine innings of baseball. If you are in town, check out when the Cards are playing.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
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