Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Woerner Field at Time Warner Cable Stadium
1780 S Edwin C Moses Blvd
Dayton, OH 45417
Year Opened: 2004
Capacity: 2,000
Just the Right Size for Dayton Baseball
The University of Dayton baseball team debuted at Woerner Field at DP&L Stadium in 2004 but it was not until the next season that the ballpark was completed. The Flyers dedicated the $4 million facility on May 7, 2005, and finished the year with an impressive 18-4 record in the conference.
When the stadium opened it was known as Time Warner Cable Stadium until May 6, 2011, when it changed names to Woerner Field after alumni Larry Woerner and his wife. Worner pitched for the Flyers for four years before graduating in 1976 with a degree in mathematics, summa cum laude.
The Flyers participated in the Atlantic 10 conference and they have been playing baseball at the university since 1902. They have captured two conference championships and made one appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2012.
Food & Beverage 2
The ballpark has a small concession stand underneath the grandstand that has a limited selection of items that includes hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. The stand offers Pepsi products and prices range between $2 to $3 each. The items are expected based on the size and the number of people who attend Flyers baseball games but if you are hungry, eat before the game.
Atmosphere 3
The ballpark has a laid-back atmosphere due to its size and the number of people who are in the facility. It has all the essentials and includes a press box, covered chairback seating behind the home plate, concessions, and restrooms.
Many lines up against the fence before the game down the right-field line to talk to players and remain there throughout the entire game. Dayton was wearing bright monochrome red jerseys for today’s game and perhaps attracted a little more attention for visitors wanting to see this blast from the past uniform.
The grandstand is also a comfortable spot to watch the game and offers fans theater-style seating behind protective netting. The small press box is directly behind the seats and a scoreboard is situated behind the left-center field wall. It is a basic and simple ballpark but more than adequate for college baseball in this part of the country.
Neighborhood 3
The ballpark is just across the parking lot from the UD Arena and football stadium. the arena is located about two miles from downtown Dayton. There has been a serious amount of major investments in this century that have resulted in residential, commercial, and transportation developments that have brought people back to the city. Seven million people visit the high-tech friendly downtown annually.
There are a collection of breweries that include Warped Wing, Lock 27, and Toxic Brew which all offer their own vibe and craft beer. The Dayton Beer Company is an ideal spot with over 36 different beers on tap that includes their own made on-site and a pizzeria on the first floor.
Many of the places charge by the 4 and 8 ounces for more options of sampling award-winning beer. Most of the nightlife is concentrated near the Brown Street District, Oregon District, or near Fifth Third Field (Webster Station).
A few choices to enjoy a meal are The Pine Club (steaks), The Winds (farm to table), Jay’s Restaurant (seafood), Corner Kitchen (burgers), and El Meson (a vast array of American cuisine south of the border). The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, America’s Packard Museum, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are all popular tourist attractions.
The Oregon District has a nice balance of retail, bars, live music, restaurants, and several breweries. The architecture of the residential buildings dates back to the 19th century and is ideal for photos.
Fans 2
A small gathering of fans was in attendance for the Flyers game that included mostly friends and family. This is a common theme at similar baseball stadiums in the area and what you would at others in colder climates in the late winter and early months. The fans who are at the game will provide some insight into the players on the field since they know them quite well.
Access 4
The ballpark is directly off of I-75 and is visible from the interstate one needs to put the GPS away as soon as they approach the exit. There is plenty of free parking around the stadium and the entrance is located down the right-field foul line. One can easily get around during the game.
Return on Investment 2
The cost to attend baseball games is free and this also includes parking in the massive lot adjacent to the field. Concession prices are inexpensive but not varied and you cannot drink a beer at the game. However, attending a game here is strictly for the die-hards or that one guy who wants to attend every NCAA college baseball stadium.
Extras 2
Dayton earns a point for the bright red monochrome jerseys. Players talked with fans before the game and indicated that these were their favorites. The ballpark earns a second point for being near other facilities in town that include the basketball arena, football stadium, and softball field.
Final Thoughts
Unless you are a fan of college baseball, connected somehow with the university, or know some playing for the team, you probably do not want to take in a game at the ballpark. It is free to attend and concession prices are inexpensive but there is not an incentive to attract the same type of customer who attends Dayton Dragons games a few miles away downtown.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
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