MIDWAY STADIUM

Midway Stadium is in itself nothing special, it could easily be described as a typical minor league park and left at that. But to do so would be unjust for Midway Stadium is where you would go to get one of the most interesting baseball experiences around. 

Located on Energy Park Drive, just west of Snelling Avenue, Midway Stadium is actually very colorful with a number of interesting murals on the outside walls. As well, potted geraniums line the outside concourse as well as inside the seating area adding a unique touch to the stadium. Parking is available on the street, or for $4 you can get into the lot and tailgate with other fans. The Saints sell out all the time, so you will always have plenty of people to talk to in the parking lot.

All the seating is bench seating, and there is not much room between the benches, but due to the constant entertainment on the field, you probably won't notice. The concessions are located right inside the entrance gate, with another concession behind third base at field level. There is also a grill along third base which serves up a fresh variety of food, and is recommended over the usual hot dogs. 

Night view from the upper reserved seats

So what is it that makes Midway Stadium one of our must-see ballparks? Well, they are partially owned by Mike Veeck, who is the son of Bill Veeck, known as the father of promotions. Clearly some of Bill's creative genius has rubbed off as the Saints had the most original promotions that we had seen anywhere. There were at least three new promotions on the night we were there: two contestants dressed as George Bush and Hillary Clinton had a hockey fight;  two contestants dressed as sumo wrestlers played a down of football; and the best promotion of all was K-man where an opposing player was designated as K-man and if he struck out, all in attendance would receive a discount coupon to Arby's. You will never hear fans cheer so loudly for a strikeout as you will when K-man is batting - when we were there, the selected K-man was called out on strikes, and the fans got their coupons.

The other memorable element of the park is the P.A. guy, Eric Webster, who is certainly the most entertaining announcer you can find. Whereas most announcers simply state the batters name and position,   Eric comments on things during the game. For example, whenever there is a conference on the mound, Eric will improvise the conversation, and it can be very amusing. As well, a train track runs behind left field, and whenever a train passes, Eric announces "train." The fans are always kept entertained at Midway Stadium and although the brand of baseball may not be as good as that in the Metrodome across the river, I would say that Midway Stadium is a better place to go on all other counts.