Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Knights Field 2100 Treece Terrace Louisville, KY 40205
Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 500
A Ballpark with a Hilly View
Knights Field has been the home to Bellarmine University baseball since 1954, and in 2021 the program moved to Division-I and joined the ASUN Conference. The ball field is located at the entrance of the campus and offers a picturesque view of the campus buildings and other athletic venues.
The ball field offers covered dugouts, bullpens, a batting cage, and an elevated press box. There is a 20-foot high fence in the outfield, along with a simple scoreboard. The grass seed field is simple and features small bleacher seating in the back of home plate. As rudimentary as it is, the home of the Knights offers one unique perspective.
The field is at the bottom of the natural rolling hillside; it offers fans to watch baseball on the graded upward slope. It created a tradition of fans enjoying the game on blankets on the hill. This method began to catch on with more and more fans each year and has since become a staple of enjoying a game at Knights Field.
What do you think about Knights Field?
Charming
Needs Updating
Food & Beverage 2
A small concession stand with restrooms behind the left-field corner of the ballpark. It also serves as the concession stand for the softball field. The stand was closed during our visit, and no menu was listed. Perhaps fans can enjoy soda, chips, candy, popcorn, or a hot dog or nachos during a Knights game.
Atmosphere 2
Fans can expect a relaxing day at a Knights game; the ones who attend are friends and family of the players. However, a few more students will take in an inning or two on the hillside to take a break from their daily activities. The ballgame is for the ardent baseball fan.
Our visit took place when the weather dipped a bit from the balmy 80 degrees that the Louisville area had been enjoying. It was a cool 55 degrees with gunpowder gray skies and cool enough to wear a sweater. Unfortunately, there were not too many in attendance.
The banter on the field was familiar from other ballparks of its size in Division-I college baseball. The ping of the aluminum bat, the banter from both dugouts, the sounds of cleats against the concrete from players fetching foul balls, and light applause from fans in one of the few bleacher-style stand behind home plate.
Neighborhood 3
The university is not too far away from The Highlands, aka “Restaurant Row”. It is a lively neighborhood known for its casual pubs, restaurants, artisan shops, bookstores, coffee shops, and independent stores along Bardstown Road.
Against the Grain Public House has a small location on the main street that offers craft beer, burgers, salads, and cocktails. Noche Mexican BBQ is known for its smoked brisket fajitas and quesadillas. Mark’s Feed Store is a two-story restaurant specializing in barbecue. Havana Rumba features tapas and happy hour cocktail specials.
A tad closer to campus and off Bardstown Road is Shennanigan’s Irish Pub. Guests can enjoy Irish and pub food, drinks, and live music at this typical Irish pub. Kaelin’s Restaurant is also nearby and features pub food, fried chicken, dinner entrees of short rib and shrimp and grits, and an all-around positive vibe.
While in Louisville, check the schedule to see what other teams are playing. If you are craving more baseball, check out the Louisville Bats at Louisville Slugger Stadium or the Louisville Cardinals at Jim Patterson Stadium, Louisville City and Racing Louisville FC both play at Lynn Family Stadium.
Fans 3
The Knights fans in attendance are friends and family of the players. However, a few more students will take in an inning or two on the hillside to take a break from their activities.
Access 3
The university is located a few miles north of Interstate 264 (Henry Watterson Expressway) on State Road 1703 (Newburgh Road). The ball field is in front of the arched entrance to campus, with parking on top of the hill. It is ideal for fans who can climb the hill or walk the staircase, but not so much for fans who have limited walking access.
Return on Investment 4
This ball field sits on top of a steep hill near the football and softball fields at the campus entrance. It creates a picturesque setting for baseball and on a warm spring day, a chance to watch the game from the hill on a blanket. Tickets are free and Parking is free on campus during athletic events but may be at a premium on dates/times when classes are in session.
Extras 1
The vantage point of watching the game from the hill can be enjoyable on a warm spring day. It provides a view not common at other college ballparks. The campus buildings and other venues add to the aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
Knights Field does not feel like a ballpark but more like a city park. The place blends in nicely with the college environment and is a communal place. It is a place to view the game in simple terms and enjoy the sounds of the ping off the bat and the cheering from the home bench.
_____
Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
Коментарі