Point Stadium Johnstown, PA
Stadium Minor League History:
Middle Atlantic League
1926-1938
Pennsylvania State Association
1939-1940
Middle Atlantic League
1946-1950
Eastern League
1955-1956, 1961
Frontier League
1995-present
Current Status: Home
of the Johnstown Johnnies of the Frontier League (Independent)
What's Good: Point
Stadium is one of the most interesting, unique, and fascinating ballparks
I've ever visited. Words like "quirky" or "idiosyncratic" or even
"odd" all fail to do the place justice -- it is certainly all of those,
but much more. Wedged into a triangular piece of land at the confluence
of the Little Conemaugh and Stonycreek Rivers in downtown Johnstown, the
ballpark is hemmed in by its site, resulting in very short distances down
the lines (click here to see a satellite photograph
showing the geographic features surrounding the stadium). To compensate,
there is an enormous net above the left field
fence which is in play (the net also serves the very practical purpose
of protecting cars and buildings along Johns Street, which runs immediately
beyond the wall) and results in some very interesting fielding situations.
The main grandstand is covered, and while the roof curiously slopes forward,
this is explained by the fact that the stands were double-decked until
1960, and the slope was necessary for upper deck patrons to see the field.
Split into three price levels (ranging from $4 - 7), there is plenty of
seating under the roof, though long rows of bench
seating run down both lines (the stadium was constructed with football
in mind as well, and a small pressbox is perched atop the seating area
down the first base side). The first row of seats actually begins
at ground level, seperated from the field only by the backstop net.
Just about all of the structure -- the painted metal seating area, the
girders and trusses supporting the roof, and the erector set light towers
-- reflect the ballpark's history and are evocative of a much earlier time.
Sound effects, promotions, and a mascot were all in evidence but kept largely
unobstrusive, and detracted little from the historic atmosphere.
What I assume was once the main ticket window
and entrance is on Johns Street by the left field corner, but has been
closed in favor of a new entrance plaza and
ticket office behind right field. Fans enter into a concourse that
runs under the first base stands, parallel to the Stonycreek River.
The view of the surrounding hills and mountains was beautiful (for a photo
of the stadium taken from the top of nearby Yoder Hill, click
here), and -- along with the distinctly urban setting of downtown businesses,
highways, steel mills and the rivers -- gave the ballpark an extrordinarily
well-defined sense of place. There was a decent variety of concession
choices, all very reasonably priced, and a small booth that was selling
souvenirs. The people here were terrific as well, both staff and
fans, and I have rarely felt as welcome or as at home while at a game.
Lastly, the city of Johnstown itself is filled with history (much of it
relating to the infamous 1889 flood that claimed roughly 3000 lives), and
its setting, between the two rivers and surrounded by mountains, is beautiful.
I really can't say enough good things about the stadium, the city, and
its people. After visiting for a doubleheader in 2000, Point Stadium
quickly became one of my favorite ballparks, and I can't wait to go back.
What's Not So Good: Most
of the problems with Point Stadium are minor and are related to the age
of the ballpark. In many places the steel construction of the seating
area was rusting and otherwise corroding, and combined with the peeling
paint and patchy field gave the place a somewhat run-down appearance (click
here for a look at the steps leading up the third base seating area).
There is also no real parking lot at the stadium, though plenty of spaces
can be found in downtown lots or on side streets. But whatever small
criticisms can be made, the history of the ballpark, its unique qualities,
and the terrific people more than make up for them.
This Photo:
July 21, 2000 Johnstown Johnnies vs. Chillicothe
Paints
