History was made in the 2018 Best of the Ballparks fan vote for Double-A facilities, as Dunkin’ Donuts Park (Hartford Yard Goats) was the first MiLB facility to repeat as the winner.
The Yard Goats opened Dunkin’ Donuts Park in 2017 and played in front of 41 sellouts last season. This year, the Yard Goats are leading the entire Eastern League in total attendance (216,370) and have played in front of 20 sellout crowds. The Yard Goats have been sold out each game over the past four weekends (Friday-Sunday) and have played in front of standing room crowds in 18 of the past 25 games in Hartford.
“Yard Goats fans continue to demonstrate a vibrant passion for Dunkin’ Donuts Park,” said General Manager Mike Abramson. “It’s truly an honor to be named Best Double-A Ballpark for the second year in a row, and to win in back-to-back years as only a Major League franchise has before.”
Dunkin’ Donuts Park prevailed over Hammons Field, home of the Springfield Cardinals, by a 53%-47% margin. The home of the Yard Goats received a first-round bye in the fan vote, then defeated Canal Park (Akron RubberDucks), Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi Hooks) and Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco RoughRiders) before the final round.
“The Hartford Yard Goats and Dunkin’ Donuts Park have been an amazing addition to Minor League Baseball,” said Ballpark Digest Publisher Kevin Reichard. “The team has inspired great loyalty, and they put on a great show at a great ballpark every night.”
The 2018 Best of the Ballparks fan vote for MiLB facilities continues, with fan votes taking place for Triple-A ballparks, Short Season-A ballparks and Rookie-level ballparks. Upcoming votes will cover independent and summer-collegiate ballparks.
Photo by Zach Spedden.