NYSEG Stadium may not be the flashiest facility in the minors, but may be the most family-friendly facility we’ve run across in a long time. It’s a ballpark where kids can run the bases in the middle of the fifth — and not after the game, as many teams do on a weekly basis — and it’s a ballpark where dollar hot dogs are available every night of the week.
FAST FACTS
Year Opened: 1992
Capacity: 6,012
Cost: $4.5 million
Suites: 6
Naming Rights: Purchased by New York State Electric and Gas; terms of the deal were not disclosed
Dimensions: 330L, 400C, 330R
Playing Surface: Grass
Website: bmets.com
Phone: 607/723-METS
League: Eastern League
Level: Class AA
Parent: New York Mets
Parking: Paid lots next to the ballpark.
Address/Directions: 211 Henry St., Binghamton, N.Y. Basically, no matter where you’re coming from you’ll want to exit on Route 11 and head toward downtown Binghamton. The route to the ballpark is well-signed.
NYSEG Stadium may not be the flashiest facility in the minors, but may be the most family-friendly facility we’ve run across in a long time. It’s a ballpark where kids can run the bases in the middle of the fifth — and not after the game, as many teams do on a weekly basis — and it’s a ballpark where dollar hot dogs are available every night of the week. With a host of attractions geared toward kids — like the giant mascot inflatable shown above — NYSEG Stadium is a place where families of all sorts can go out and have a safe, affordable time.
The ballpark, which opened in 1992, has a slightly old-fashioned feel to it, with a seating bowl and suites/press-box level sitting above an enclosed concourse. It’s located on the edge of downtown Binghamton, but that’s not saying a whole lot: there are no dramatic skylines beyond the home-run fence, no quaint urban neighborhood surrounding the ballpark. When you go to the ballgame, you’re likely going directly to the ballpark and spending your time there. We’re guessing that’s why the B-Mets went to such great lengths to create a family-friendly environment.
Despite the ballpark having a relatively small footprint, the B-Mets have added picnic/group areas down the right-field line along with a play area. Concessions can be found in the grandstand as well in stands located down each line One unusual touch to the enclosed concourse: fans can keep tab of the action via projection screens directly on the concourse wall. This isn’t the most high-tech video solution out there, but we’re guessing it’s a cost-effective solution — and one that works surprisingly well.
Concessions
Spiedies, an upstate New York delicacy, are sold at the ballpark. Basically kebobs grilled with special spices, pork and chicken spiedies are offered for $5 at a stand down the right-field line.
If that doesn’t move you, the team always offers dollar hot dogs, as opposed to the weekly promotion run by most minor-league teams. This season marks a first, as Pennsylvania-based Hatfield became the official hot-dog provider to the B-Mets. In addition, one of the more popular food areas at the ballpark is now known as the Hatfield Grill and offers a wide range of Hatfield goods, including pulled-pork BBQ, and deli sandwiches. Also available at the ballpark; Angus burgers, chicken sandwiches, pot stickers and pierogies.
You’ll find a decent selection of beer at the ballpark, including Yuengling and Labatt Blue.
