Cobb Field Billings, MT
Stadium Minor League History: Pioneer League 1948-1963, 1969-present
Current Status: Home
of the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League (rookie)
What's Good: Situated
just a few blocks north of Billing's downtown, Cobb Field is a wonderful
venue for professional baseball. The "box" seats are folding chairs,
while the rest of the seating is benches, some with backs. The fans
were enthusiastic, friendly, and knowledgable, and a sizable crowd was
on hand for the Sunday evening game I attended. Prices were uniformly
reasonable (GA tickets are $4.50, beers are $2, as are programs), and the
atmosphere was focused on the game, with subdued music and few between-inning
promotions. The grandstand itself is mainly constructed
of wood, and sports a wooden roof over the portion behind home.
There's a nice deck with individual chairs down the third base side, but
as with many parks in the Pioneer and Northwest Leagues, the stadium's
setting is among the most appealing features. Beyond the oufield
wall is a dramatic outcropping of rimrock, which
provides a terrific (and very Montanan) backdrop for the ballpark.
What's Not So Good: Relatively
thick fencing protects the first few rows of seats, obscuring the view
from there, and the concourse gets a little cramped. But besides
these minor complaints, there's not much to criticize -- a game at Cobb
Field is a wonderful experience.
This Photo: June 17, 2001 Billings Mustangs vs. Missoula Osprey
