DUNEDIN STADIUM AT GRANT FIELD

Dunedin Stadium at Grant Field was built in 1977 when the Toronto Blue Jays began playing in the American League. Although a class-A team played there in 1978-79, from 1979-1987, it was only used as a spring training facility. Since 1987, though, it has been used as the full-season home of the Dunedin Blue Jays and it has not aged particularly well. Having said that, I really like this stadium, it is simple and fun. Plans are afoot for renovations to improve the overall facilities, which should make this stadium even better, but as long as the same people are running the show, you will have a good time.

The outside of the stadium is non-descript, with Dunedin Stadium in white lettering on blue facing atop a gray concrete structure. Just beside the main entrance are pennants that commemorate the Blue Jays A.L. Championships and World Series victories. Once inside the main gate, you should notice the display dedicated to players who have made it from Dunedin to the big leagues. For Blue Jay fans, it is a trip down memory lane with names like Moseby, Stieb, and Barfield, among others.

The concourse is outside the seating area, with concessions and the team store built into the walls. There is also the Bullpen Cafe which serves up some sandwiches and is a good place to grab a bite before the game. The seating area is typical of minor league parks - box seats $4 below the walkway (9 rows at the bases, 5 rows behind the dugouts), and general admission above at $3. We recommend the box seats as it helps the team meet their revenue goals. Seriously, anywhere in this park is OK.

The seats themselves are of the non-folding variety, lack arm rests and are a bit hard on the posterior for 9 innings. However, the renovations are supposed to improve the seats, so we will look forward to that. I also hope the renovations improve the scoreboard, which is in dire shape. It was tough to figure out the score or count at times as several of the bulbs have burnt out. 

How many hits for the Jays?

I liked the promotions here, especially the cold shirt game where two contestants had to put on a frozen T-shirt. The people here are all friendly and the crowd is small and everyone knows everyone else. 

Overall, this stadium is the type I like. Simple, seats close to the action, a small but knowledgeable crowd, and fun. I hope to see the renovated version in a couple of years, but until then, I still recommend those who are on a major league tour to stop in Dunedin for minor league ball as it should be.