We end 2017 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Ballpark Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #1: The opening of SunTrust Park as the new home of the Atlanta Braves. (more…)
Tag Archives | 2017 Ballpark Digest Awards
2017 Best Ballpark Renovation (MLB): George M. Steinbrenner Field
We wrap up our 2017 Ballpark Digest Awards where we began our season: The award for Best Ballpark Renovation (MLB) goes to George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring home of the New York Yankees. (more…)
See You at the 2017 Winter Meetings!
Next week might be a little slow on Ballpark Digest, as the staff is attending the 2017 Baseball Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. It’s where the baseball industry gathers, and we’ll be there. (more…)
2017 Promotion of the Year: Bacon vs. Tacos
When it was over, and the votes had been counted, Derek Franks was, let us say, a shell of himself. Kurt Landes? He was just tickled to bits. A veritable pig in slop. (more…)
2017 Team of the Year: Hartford Yard Goats
It was a long and bumpy road to get there, but the Hartford Yard Goats (Class AA; Eastern League) had a successful inaugural year at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Despite the one-year delay to the park’s opening, the Yard Goats quickly became a hit with their fans, earning the 2017 Ballpark Digest Team of The Year […]
2017 Continued Excellence Award: Vancouver Canadians
The Vancouver Canadians (Short Season A; Northwest League) are no strangers to success. Prior to a record-breaking 2017, the club had built a long track record of offering strong customer service to a fan base that was more than willing to come take in a night at the ballpark action. (more…)
Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement: Redband Rally Campaign, Spokane Indians
With the Redband Rally Campaign, the Spokane Indians (Short Season A; Northwest League) launched a multifaceted endeavor combining branding, merchandising, promotion and community outreach, along with a very unique and striking rally mascot. That successful effort earned the team an Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in the 2017 season. (more…)
Best Ballpark Improvement (Under $1M): Modern Woodmen Park Amusements
In a ballpark already known for a Ferris Wheel and other amusements, it takes a lot to stand out. The Quad Cities River Bandits added another set of unique amusements to a formerly dead part of Modern Woodmen Park, earning Ballpark Digest’s 2017 Award for Best Ballpark Improvement Under $1 Million. (more…)
2017 Best Charity: Quad Cities River Bandits
It’s a big week for the folks in Davenport, IA, as the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low A; Midwest League) have special reason to enjoy the World Series this year. (more…)
Editor’s Choice Award: National Eclipse Games
On August 21, many teams around baseball staged games and viewing parties to observe the National Eclipse. By seizing the opportunity to host a game in honor of this rare event, these teams created a memorable day in baseball that is being recognized by Ballpark Digest. (more…)
Best New Food Item: Beercheese Poutine
From fan nomination to majority rule to Midwest League stomachs, the West Michigan Whitecaps gobbled up Ballpark Digest’s Best New Food Item of 2017 with their Beercheese Poutine — a tribute to the team’s unique and popular crowdsourcing approach to concession items. (more…)
Best New Concessions Experience: Miller Park
With an overhaul of food and beverage operations at Miller Park in 2017, the Milwaukee Brewers and Delaware North Sportservice went full Sconnie with a slate of new offerings and concourse layouts. For these upgrades, we’re awarding Miller Park the 2017 Ballpark Digest Award for Best New Concessions Experience. (more…)
Best Ballpark Improvement (Over $1M): Great Dane Duck Blind
For the 2017 season, the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) successfully reinvented the Great Dane Duck Blind. Long one of the most popular features at Warner Park (aka “The Duck Pond“), the unique Duck Blind has captured the Ballpark Digest Best Ballpark Improvement (Over $1M) award. (more…)