Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Seaman Stadium 256 Don Seaman Way Okotoks, AB T1S 1A5
Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,200
Alberta’s Dawg House
The Okotoks Dawgs are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. They play in the Western Canadian Baseball League and are six-time WCBL champions. They play at Seaman Stadium which opened in 2007.
The team began in 2003 as the Calgary Dawgs but has some history as part of a larger overall youth baseball operation that began in 1996, which is noted on their team logo. While in Calgary they played at Foothills Stadium former home to the Calgary Cannons AAA baseball club.
Donald and Doc Seaman were the principal donors to this new stadium in Okotoks, located 38 km (24 mi) south of Downtown Calgary in what is now a bedroom community of Calgary. Okotoks is the largest town (not a city) in the province of Alberta.
Food & Beverage 4
The stadium has two main concession stands, along with a smaller stand at the far end of the left field berm area. That small food area in left offers the wonderful Spolumbo’s sausages on a bun. Spolumbo’s is a well-established Calgary deli that makes fantastic sausages, so this is a place to visit if you want a real treat. Having Spolumbo’s as an offering makes this food rating worth a 4-star on its own.
The other two main stands are fairly similar and offer a good variety of the normal concession offerings at the usual ballpark prices. There are many beer and alcohol options at Seaman Stadium.
Atmosphere 4
Seaman Stadium has a great atmosphere for a summer collegiate game, as the stadium rivals ones in higher-level leagues.
The ballpark has a capacity for 5,200 with a mix of stadium seating around the infield, and a grass berm stretching the left field line. The grass berm is very steep and if it was a little less steep it could be a little better of a seating area.
There are quite a few hospitality and VIP areas that can be utilized around the ballpark. The team offers the usual between-innings promotions seen at a minor league stadium.
Neighborhood 2
Seaman Stadium is located east of the Okotoks' downtown area and is in an industrial area.
There are no real options within walking distance for pre or post-game dining. You will need to make a short drive around this suburban area for other options.
Cha Cha John’s and Tom’s House of Pizza are two of the options we recommend within a short drive from Seaman Stadium.
Fans 5
The team is well-supported and fans pack the stands at Seaman Stadium at levels that are far above the averages for this league. The crowd seems knowledgeable and they seem to enjoy the players and coaches who often come back from one year to another.
Access 4
Seaman Stadium may not be in an area that is exciting for pre or post-game activities but there is plenty of free parking nearby. There is plenty of signs that assist you in finding the stadium area. The concourse area is of a decent size although there are a couple of pinch points when the stadium gets packed.
Return on Investment 4
Seats for the grandstand ($20) do often sell out, but there should always be tickets available to sit on the left field berm for $10. The prices will also be higher for Canada Day and Father's Day games.
The overall prices might be a little high but still in the normal "ballpark" for high-quality games. As mentioned previously, parking is free.
Extras 5
Duvernay Fieldhouse, a full-service indoor training facility for the Dawgs, as well as for the Dawgs Youth Academy players, is seen along the right field line.
Diggity is the team mascot who entertains the crowd. There is also a good videoboard for the stadium.
The Dawgs General Store is a very well-stocked team souvenir store.
The Dawgs do a good job of showing off their history by detailing all of the alumni who have played for the team in the past along areas of the concourse.
The Dawgs have been a great success in the WCBL and you will be able to see the many championships and successful teams by all of the banners and signage around the stadium.
Final Thoughts
Seaman Stadium is a wonderful ballpark, especially for the collegiate summer league level. There are likely to be affiliated minor teams that would be jealous of this fine facility.