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Victory Field is one of the most lauded ballparks built in the last 20 years; go to the Indy Indians' Web site and you'll see kudos from the likes of Bob Costas, who hails the minor-league ballpark as one of the best ever built.
FAST FACTS
Year Opened: 1996
Capacity: 15,500 (12,500 permanent seats, 1,000-seat bleacher, and room for approximately 2,000 fans in the lawn)
Architect: HOK
Dimensions: 320L, 418LC, 402C, 362RC, 320R
Website: indyindians.com
Phone: 317/269-3542
Ticket Prices (2009): Field Box Seats, $13 (kids $12); Reserved, $9 (kids $8); Lawn, $9 (kids $8)
League: International League (AAA)
Affiliation: Pittsburgh Pirates
Parking: Victory Field is at the southwestern edge of downtown Indianapolis, adjacent to attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. As a result, there are 6,400 parking lots and ramps with available parking close to the ballpark.
Directions: 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis. As mentioned, the ballpark is at the southwestern corner of downtown, so any signs pointing the way to downtown Indianapolis or Lucas Oil Stadium will lead you to the ballpark. Through the ballpark is technically on Maryland Street, the real location of the ballpark is at West Street (which runs north-south from I-70) and Washington Street, which runs east-west throughout Indianapolis and intersection with I-70 as well.
Written by: Kevin Reichard
And despite my contrarian tendencies, I must admit the plaudits for Victory are well-deserved. Yes, it's a great ballpark. Yes, it's a jewel of the minors. Yes, it a comfortable place to watch a game. Yes, the ballpark is immaculately maintained. All in all, it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the Indianapolis area.
The ballpark is located at the southwestern corner of downtown Indianapolis, in an area featuring a zoo, a museum of Western art and other attractions. In addition, Indiana state government offices are nearby, so all in there's a plethora of easily accessible parking spaces (unless you visit for a weekday matinee when many of these parking spots are occupied). In addition, the ballpark is an easy walk from most of downtown Indianapolis. The ballpark is situated in such a way where the outfield view frames a gorgeous vista of downtown Indianapolis.
When first unveiled, Victory Field -- along with Buffalo's Dunn Tire Park -- created a mini revolution in the design of minor-league ballparks: instead of treating them as the poor bastard brethren of major-league ballparks, minor-league ballparks were designed with their own distinctive layouts suited the smaller crowds, complete with concourses, picnic areas and entertainment areas. The footprints of these new minor-league ballparks became larger, but so did the entertainment options for patrons of the game. Tired of spending an entire game sitting in a single seat? Head out to the center-field picnic area for some ice cream. Spend some time sitting on the outfield berm. Relax on the main concourse with friends.
Or, of course, you may want to head to the ballpark just to watch some baseball and eat some good food. You can do that at Victory Field as well. There are some fairly unique qualities to the ballpark as well. For instance, there are really two main entrances to the ballpark. The entrance for many entering the ballpark from downtown Indianapolis is in center field, leading to a picnic area and berm seating.
The other entrance is located on the west side of the ballpark, next to the closest parking lots. It's also the entrance used by season-ticket holders and suites patrons.
This is actually the second Victory Field in Indianapolis baseball history. The original Victory Field opened as Perry Stadium in 1931 and was renamed Victory Field in 1942 to honor the United States victory in World War II.
That ballpark was renamed Bush Stadium in honor of former player, manager and team president Owen J. Bush on August 30, 1967. Bush Stadium still stands as Indianapolis officials continue to plan its future.
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