When Major League Baseball took over operations of the affiliated minor leagues in 2021, contracting 40 teams, it was a real boon for the independent leagues. Contraction opened up previously occupied markets and created opportunities for indy leagues to loosely affiliate themselves with Major League Baseball. One of the leagues to take advantage of the changing landscape was the American Association.
Today, the American Association consists of 12 teams stretching geographically through the midwest from Manitoba to Texas. Many of the circuit's teams are located just outside of major league markets, where they can market themselves as affordable alternatives to the more expensive big league teams.
Stadium Journey correspondents have visited all 12 of the American Association ballparks, rating each one according to our patented FANFARE scale, which takes a look at a facility's food, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, value, and more. We have ranked them all here for you in one convenient list. Share your thoughts on our social media channels @Stadium Journey.
Marc Viquez - The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a class act in the world of independent league baseball. The crowd support, enthusiasm, friendly staff, and all-around great time are what visits Shaw Park a great investment with your ballpark dollar.
Marc Viquez -Legends Field is a very nice place to watch a baseball game; it’s spacious, has plenty of promotional nights, and is easy to get to by car. If you happen to be in town when the Monarchs are playing, watching a game on the Kansas side of the city might be worth your effort.
Paul Baker - Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small-town feel and modern amenities.
Marc Viquez - Northwestern Medicine Field is an older minor league ballpark with a main concourse that does not wrap around the ball field. The atmosphere is festive with food trucks, lawn seating down both foul lines, a KidZone behind right field, and three wooden party decks for large groups. Plus, there is plenty of food and beverages to keep fans of all ages satisfied.
Paul Baker - Ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field and cities like Fargo are the backbone of minor-league baseball. Boasting affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere and a comfortable, fun place at which to watch a game, a trip to North Dakota is a worthy Stadium Journey for any baseball fan.
Marc Viquez - Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights.
Michael Davis - The Depot at Cleburne Station is the headstone of future development around Cleburne, and the brand-new ballpark has the potential to keep professional baseball in Cleburne for many years to come. While Cleburne, Texas may not be a tourist hot spot, what it does have is an immaculate ballpark for any baseball fan.
Chuck Utech - There are newer parks. There are some with more state-of-the-art features. There are few though that marry a feel of the community with amenities. Sioux Falls Stadium is an excellent ballpark that baseball fans can enjoy.
Marc Viquez - Franklin Field is not your ordinary baseball stadium. It blends in well with the neighborhood, and it will only be challenged by the imagination of its architects. The enthusiasm by the game day staff dressed as milkmen, and the numerous dairyland themes make for an alternative to watching professional baseball in Milwaukee.
Eric Hasman - U.S. Steel Yard is a nice ballpark and one of my favorites because it plays big (lots of triples). Even though it is not located in the best neighborhoods, it is safe and a place any ballpark enthusiast should see.
Paul Baker - The developers of Wisconsin Brewing Company Park made many bold choices when they designed this multi-purpose park. Unfortunately, the result was a bland facility that features a less-than-ideal setup for all the sports it was designed to host. Once the kinks are worked out in this brand-new facility for this brand-new team, this will be a fine addition to the American Association roster of ballparks.
Paul Baker - Lewis and Clark Park is a small-town ballpark that is in danger of being passed by, even by the independent American Association. As the league continues to move into newer ballparks in larger cities, small cities like Sioux City are in danger of losing their teams. This is hardly an indictment on ballparks like Lewis and Clark Park, which are quickly becoming obsolete as the stadium arms race escalates.
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