Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Momentum Bank Ballpark 5514 Champions Dr Midland, TX 79706
Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,669
Rockin' in the Midlands
Since 2002 Momentum Bank Ballpark has been home to the Midland Rockhounds, the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Located in West Texas on the border of the Chihuahuan desert and the Panhandle Plains, the Midland-Odessa area is most famous for two things: oil and high school football. The ballpark is an oasis in the landscape that has brought visitors from the days it was built – the Rockhounds are anticipating hosting their 10 millionth fan at some point during the final few games of 2024, or early in the 2025 season.
Before this stadium was built, the team played in Christensen Stadium as the Cubs (1972-1984) and Angels (1985-1998) before rebranding as the Rockhounds in 1999. A rockhound is a nickname for a geologist, in honor of the oil and gas industry, which is responsible for approximately 30% of the Permian Basin’s workforce.
The Rockhounds and their predecessor names have won 7 championships in their history, most recently in 2017. They were also leading their division by 2 games late in August when I last visited on a warm Sunday afternoon.
Food & Beverage 4
Upon entering the ballpark gate you are met with a plethora of aromas, including the smell of grilled sausages, burgers, barbecue, Mexican food, popcorn, and more wafting through the air. Multiple concession stands and kiosks are spread from foul pole to foul pole; in addition to traditional ballpark fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and pretzels, the Rockhounds also offer foods such as Philly cheesesteaks, PB & J hot dogs, supreme nachos, and grilled chicken sandwiched.
Momentum Bank Ballpark also offers numerous beer offerings beyond the standard market brands, including local craft beer Tall City in 4 different styles, Yuengling, and the Texas beers Karbach and Saint Arnold's Lawnmower.
Atmosphere 3
The slightly smaller-than-life-size catcher statue on a large home plate-shaped cement pad welcomes visitors to Momentum Bank Ballpark as you walk up from the north. Displayed on the cement in front of the catcher are bronze plates recognizing championships and other team accomplishments through their history, which sets the tone for an enjoyable experience.
Fans are treated to a beautiful view of the field from directly behind home plate as they enter the gate, and head toward the team store, concession stand of choice, or their seats. There is a large video scoreboard beyond the right field fence, which displays player information as well as advertising, and between inning challenges and quizzes – video ribbon boards above the seating on both baselines display current player statistics and line scores. There are also three pitch clocks, one on the outfield berm which is visible to the crowd, batter, catcher, and home plate umpire, as well as two on the backstop visible to the fielders and field umpires.
Like most MiLB franchises, the Rockhounds promote their sponsors well – during most home games of the 2024 season they offer either an advertised promotion, giveaway, or discount. For example, every Tuesday game promises 2-for-1 tickets, Wednesdays call for half-price hot dogs, Saturday games end with postgame fireworks, and fans are given free ice cream for all Sunday games. In addition, Thirsty Thursdays have drink discounts and Fridays are usually when cap, t-shirt, and jersey giveaways take place. It seems that no matter which game you might choose to attend, value is added to your ticket purchase.
Neighborhood 4
Located off Loop 250 in northwest Midland, the area around Momentum Bank Ballpark is home to newer homes and businesses, as well as open land plotted for future development and growth.
There are numerous quality hotels across the street from and within walking distance of the ballpark – these accommodations include Tru by Hilton, Townplace Suites, and Residence Inn among others.
No matter what your palette desires, you should be able to find a restaurant within a few miles of Momentum Bank Ballpark to satisfy you; eating establishments within a long line drive include Raising Canes, Osaka Japanese Steakhouse, Clear Springs Seafood and Steaks, and La Mision Mexican Food. Or, if you’re looking to have a drink and relax after the game, Fair To Midland Kitchen and Bar or The Hemingway are two excellent options just a short distance away.
Fans 3
Momentum Bank Ballpark, and Midland in general, have been home to a consistent fan base since baseball was introduced to the Permian Basin in the 1970s – this is well documented by the average of over 250,000 fans per season, or over 3500 per game. The game I most recently attended was a late summer Sunday afternoon the week before school started, so attendance was lower than normal.
Fans in attendance cheered for between-inning game participants and made noise when the Rockhounds snuffed out a late-game rally from the opponent; you can tell that regular fans are very knowledgeable about the game here and want to have an impact on its outcome.
Access 4
Getting into the ballpark is easier here than at many other stadiums – Momentum Bank Ballpark is located in Scharbauer Sports Complex, which houses Grande Communications Football Stadium as well as competition soccer fields, ensuring plenty of parking lots within less than 100 yards of the ballpark’s gate. The Rockhounds also offer free parking, which makes for a wonderful first impression.
Public transportation is available to most games, but is not an option as a way to get back after the game ends, since the rides end at 7:30 pm – Uber and Lyft are much better options and are typically available when needed.
Mobile tickets are required at Momentum Bank Ballpark, and the process was effortless using the MiLB ticketing software. Gates open only 30 minutes before the first pitch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, but an hour prior for games on other days. Clear bags are required, but you are allowed a 20-ounce water bottle if you desire.
The concourse is large enough for multiple grill kiosks, a bar down the third baseline, a safety tent, and an information table without hampering movement at all. Lines move fast due to concession options in all areas of the stadium.
My suggestion is to take time to walk the concourse around the ballpark and enjoy the view from every angle. If you are fortunate enough to attend a night game, you’ll want to catch the west Texas sunset behind the first base stands from the left-field berm.
Return on Investment 4
Attending Rockhound games is an affordable event. Ticket prices range from $8 for general admission berm seating to $12 for reserved seats in sections well down both baselines, up to $22 for premium reserved seats in the sections behind home plate. While there are no bad seats at Momentum Bank Ballpark, the added price for premium reserved seating is worth the added cost. You can also find other opportunities to save through promotions such as 2-for-1 tickets on Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, free ice cream Sundays, and half-price hot dogs on Wednesdays.
Concession prices here won’t break the bank either – non-alcoholic drinks are $4.50 to $6, and most beer and wine cost between $7 and $9 depending on your selection. Adding food items, a person can enjoy a meal at the game for less than $20 and easily feel satisfied, which is very much in line with other Double-A experiences in the minor league system.
Extras 3
An extra point is given for the splash pad – only those who’ve experienced the Texas summer heat would understand this. Points are also added for the friendliness and accommodation of the staff, as well as for the free parking.
Final Thoughts
Midland Rockhound Baseball is the only professional baseball option within 250 miles. As such, the leadership and game presentation could easily become stale, with the staff here counting solely on their monopoly to sell tickets and bring in crowds. Instead, they have chosen to offer an experience that is fun for all ages and different levels of baseball acuity. Whether you are spending one night in Midland or an extended time, attending a Midland Rockhounds game should make the to-do list.
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