Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Richmond County Bank Ballpark 75 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301
Year Opened: 2001
Capacity: 7,171
Home of the Baby Bombers
In a town where Major League sports rule, Richmond County Bank Ballpark provides a fun, affordable option for baseball enthusiasts. In its two decades of existence, more than 100 Staten Island Yankees, otherwise known as the Baby Bombers, have played in the Majors.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Staten Island Yankees ceased in Nov, 2020.
Food & Beverage 4
Richmond County Bank Ballpark hits all the ballpark standards, everything from chicken tenders and fries ($4 each) to grilled foot long hot dogs ($7) to Uncle Louis G Italian ices ($5), to name just a few. There are plenty of adult beverage options as well. Domestic drafts go for $7 while premiums go $9. There are some healthier options behind home plate. A container of hummus and carrots goes for $8. However, you might want to dine before or after the game. Staten Island has some of the best pizza on the planet – New Haven quality. There are no shortage of options. Check out this list: https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-staten-island-pizza
Atmosphere 4
There’s not a bad seat at Richmond County Bank Ballpark. You can’t beat the ballpark’s view of the adjacent harbor and the New York City skyline. Yes, they toss t-shirts into the crowd and have plenty of promotions.
Neighborhood 4
Game changer: Empire Outlets, which offers a plethora of outlet shopping options, just opened and is right next door to Richmond County Bank Ballpark. Very soon, it will be adding excellent restaurants to its repertoire, including Shake Shack, which is extremely popular at Citi Field and exceeds the hype. If you want to leave Richmond County Bank Ballpark mid-game and return, they’ll stamp your hand, so you can indulge.
Fans 3
It’s laid-back, minor league summer fun with lots of families and group outings. Loads of tourists are hitting Empire. It’s only a matter of time before they walk a few yards and discover the beauty of America’s favorite pastime at Richmond County Bank Ballpark.
Access 5
Richmond County Bank Ballpark is mere steps away from the Staten Island ferry, which is one of the best deals anywhere. The 25-minute ride offers great views of the NYC harbor and the Statue of Liberty. It’s free! If you’re driving, Richmond County Bank Ballpark, as well as Empire Outlets, offers parking for a fee. It’s possible to find a space on the street, but that will require some patience and persistence, especially on weekends.
Return on Investment 4
In an overpriced town, Richmond County Bank Ballpark is downright reasonable. An outfield seat goes for $12 if you order in advance, $14 on the day of. Infield seats are a few bucks more. Again, the ferry ride, an adventure in itself, is free as are the weekend fireworks.
Extras 4
In the promotions department, Richmond County Bank Ballpark shines. Most memorably, in 2015, 7,000-plus fans filled the house, many in costume, to salute “Game of Thrones.” GOT series author George RR. Martin was on hand. Just this past season, Richmond County Bank Ballpark hosted a “Billy Madison Night” in which fans received SI Yankees pencil cases. Coming up on August 24th, it’s “Harry Potter Night.” Lastly, every Saturday, the SI Yankees become their alter ego, the Staten Island Pizza Rats. For this, the squad dons special uniforms and pizza is served out of a cone.
Final Thoughts
In a Major League town, the SI Yankees aka The Baby Bombers aka the Staten Island Pizza Rats offers a fun, affordable alternative to the Mets and Yankees. You can’t beat the views, the free ferry ride and the brand new, elite mall just next door. If that isn’t enough, Staten Island boasts some of the best pizza anywhere.
Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall
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