Alexian Field Schaumburg, IL
Stadium Minor League History: Northern League 2000-present
Current Status: Home
of the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League (independent)
What's Good: Alexian
Field is a fairly typical example of the recent double-A and Atlantic League
style ballparks -- about 7000 seats, an open concourse behind the last
row of the seating area, and a row of luxury boxes perched over the concourse.
But while its design is nothing particularly notable, the stadium is at
least a very good example of that type of facility, and is quite comfortable,
easy to get around in, and attractive. One interesting feature is
that the playing field itself is an exact replica of Wrigley Field's --
same outfield dimensions, same wells along the outfield wall, same distance
from home to the backstop, even the same "bent" dugout
on the first base side. It's certainly a novelty -- I've been
to a few parks where the outfield dimensions mimic, say, the parent club's
stadium, but never before have I seen a big league field copied this precisely
(though unfortunately, there's no ivy on the wall or center field bleachers).
A hand-operated scoreboard over the left field
wall is a nice touch, too. The wide concourse extended out to a bleacher
section behind left field, though it didn't continue all the around as
at some of the newer parks. Prices were uniformly reasonable -- parking
was free, and reserved seats were $7. A very wide variety of food
was available, including vegetable and fruit plates for those of us inclined
not to eat animals, and several local beers (including Goose Island) were
on tap. Throughout the park there were subtle indications --
in the trim, or the slick-looking team store, or the details on the sides
of the seat -- that this was no cheaply thrown-together structure, and
that much attention had gone into the little things. I had a great
time, and all in all this is a very pleasant place to watch baseball.
What's Not So Good: Not
much at all. I thought the ballpark was a little hard to find, but
Alexian Field (like other new Northern League fields) is a fine place to
watch baseball.
This Photo:
July 16, 2000 Schaumburg Flyers vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes
