Overview: We last went to Blue Wahoos Stadium (BWS) in 2018, when it was then a AA Affiliate for the Reds. It has since become an affiliate for the Minnesota Twins. We attended this game without kids, and went before we thought about blogging our adventures, so we did not check out the kids related activities for this park.
https://www.milb.com/pensacola/team/about
BWS is roughly a 15 year old ballpark. All seating is in the lower level. The concourse wraps 3/4th of the way around the stadium. In Ballpark Chaser circles, BWS is renouned because it has Pensacola Bay as it’s backdrop. The view of the bay was really breathtaking and the breezes were numerous and comfortable. A walking path enveloped the edge of the outfield, facing the water.
Parking: As stated above, we really overestimated the drive time to the stadium. We drove in from Gulf Shores on a family vacation, and found that it was a very easy drive. The only traffic we experienced was along the main strip in Gulf Shores. We parked in the Stadium parking lot, and because we were so early, we didn’t have to pay. Parking was in the neighborhood of $7 had we arrived later. The stadium lot seemed to have ample parking.
Kid Activities: As stated above, we got to go to BWS as a couple without kids, and before we thought about blogging our ballpark experiences, so we are going to have to N/A this section.
They do offer free first game certificates. According to their website, the kids club is $35. On Sundays, they offer kid related activities.
Player Accessibility: Player accessibility was very unique and very cool. We opted to try to get autographs from the home team, and promptly went to the third base dugout to scout out our location. We were met by an usher who told us to follow him. He ushered us onto the field and around the corner to an area under the stands, where the locker room was. We got to wait basically steps away from the locker room! The access was amazing. We got around 15 autographs, including manager Jody Davis and Hitting Coach, Lenny Harris, the all time leader in pinch hits. He gladly signed a ball inscribing it “Pinch Hit King”. Hands down, this was the most player accessible stadium I’ve been to.
Atmosphere: The local community really supports this team. The stadium has definitely a happening place on a weekday night. Kudos to the staff, as well. We never came across a single crabby employee. The were all WAY over the top in friendliness, all seemed very happy to be there, and proud of their community support. It was so refreshing to see. The atmosphere was very pleasant.
Conclusion: BWS consistenly ranks high with most Ballpark Chasers, and does well in “Best Stadiums in the Minor Leagues” list. The view of the Pensacola Bay was great and player accessibility exceeded expectation.
To us, the most memorable things about BWS were the amazing player access and the over the top staff. It’s a fine, above average park.
Ratings:
Parking ******* (7/10)
Kid Activities N/A due to not traveling with kids this visit
Player Accessibility********** 10/10
Atmosphere******* 7/10
#Baseballfamily: A Guide to Visiting Professional Ballparks with Kids 