Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Old Mountain Field 875 Kingstown Rd South Kingstown, RI 02879
Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 2,000
Old Mountain Field
Old Mountain Field is part of a community park that features a baseball field, softball field, basketball courts, street hockey rink, a skateboard park, walking trails and tennis courts. Dedicated in 1938, it is South Kingstown’s oldest park.
The Ocean State Waves were founded in 2013. Over their history, they have qualified for the playoffs 4 times, losing in the championship round in 2017 and 2018 to the Valley Blue Sox.
Food & Beverage 3
There is a small concession stand, nicknamed “The Tube” for Waves games, which offers a nice selection of snacks for visiting fans. All the ballpark standards are here, including hot dogs, chicken nuggets, nachos, and the Tubeburger. French fries and onion rings are available on the side.
If you’re just looking for a snack, The Tube has you covered. Dough boys, mozzarella sticks and deep-fried oreos are sold here, along with a selection of candy, ice cream treats and cotton candy. Cans of Pepsi products are available. Alcohol is not sold or allowed at this public park.
Atmosphere 2
The game day atmosphere at Old Mountain Field is laid back and bare bones. It’s certainly geared to the younger fans in attendance, with between inning contests involving the many kids present. Contests such as the water balloon toss, race to Splash and the giant dice roll provide gift certificates from local sponsors and prizes at the snack bar to the winners. There are face painters and balloon animals for the younger fans in attendance.
One of the most enjoyable things about a game held at a venue like Old Mountain Field is that there is plenty of room for the kids in attendance to roam, chase foul balls and just be kids. Your children can even make some money if they desire, as they can receive a dollar for every foul ball returned to the team. Adults can make some money by winning the 50/50 raffle held every night.
Neighborhood 2
There is not much in the immediate vicinity of Old Mountain Field to attract visiting fans, but a short drive away is downtown Wakefield, a quaint neighborhood within the town of South Kingstown. Several shopping and dining options are located here. The beaches of Narragansett and Newport contain more attractions and are both located only a short drive away.
Fans of craft brewing will find a couple of locations near Old Mountain Field worth exploring. Mews Tavern boasts 69 beers on tap along with an award-winning menu in a most unique setting. Whalers Brewing Company is located in a converted mill building near the ball field. Their tap room offers several varieties of their beers, events and food trucks.
Fans 2
The Waves have averaged between 600-700 fans per game over each of the past three seasons. This has ranked the team fourth in each of those seasons in the NECBL attendance rankings. Stadium Journey attended a game early in the 2021 season, and these figures seem accurate.
A Waves crowd is typical of summer collegiate baseball crowds in the area, made up of a mix of die-hard baseball fans, casual fans enjoying an affordable night out, and families. One of the more enjoyable aspects of a night at a Waves game is watching the young fans chase foul balls around the facility.
Access 3
Old Mountain Field is located in the town of South Kingstown, a town in the southeastern corner of the Rhode Island mainland. Located about 30 miles south of Providence, the ballpark is easily accessible via Route 1, which runs along the southern coast of Rhode Island.
Old Mountain Field is part of a larger town recreation park. There is plenty of parking available at the site. Be warned that some of the spots closer to the ball field are in prime foul ball territory. It is recommended that you park a little further from the field in order to protect your car’s windows.
Seating is in the form of a pair of small bleachers behind home plate. There are benches located on the hill further down the right field line that offer views of the action unobstructed by netting. Many fans opt to bring their own lawn chairs and set up shop on the hill that runs along the third base side of the field. There is more than enough room all around the field to stake out your favorite spot.
Restrooms and the concession stand are located in buildings a short walk from home plate.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets to Waves games are sold as general admission for five dollars. Students and seniors are admitted for three dollars, with children under 7 admitted at no charge. Also, nurses, doctors, first responders and members of the military are admitted for free. Fans can purchase a family four pack, which includes four tickets, four burgers and four drinks for $25.
Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the field. Overall, a night at a Waves game is a most affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans.
Extras 1
An extra point is awarded for the overall setting of Old Mountain Field. If you can, take some time and walk around the park, exploring the walking trails, pond and other athletic facilities the place has to offer. During the game, watching the younger fans in attendance run around and compete for foul balls is worth the price of admission.
Final Thoughts
While not a flashy facility by any means, Old Mountain Field is the type of bucolic field that makes attending summer collegiate baseball games worth the time and effort. Bring your own lawn chair, set up shop on the third base hill and just enjoy the evening. If you want to compete with the local kids for foul balls, you can even bring home a few dollars.
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