Modern Woodmen Park

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

The Class A Midwest League is full of wonderful ballparks, and Modern Woodmen Park, home of the Quad Cities River Bandits is no exception. Just steps away from the Mississippi River, the obvious photo opportunity inside the ballpark is taken from the third base side of home plate with the Centennial Bridge in the background.

Modern Woodmen Park is located in Davenport, Iowa and has been a part of the town since 1931, however there is nothing that feels old within the park. A significant renovation in 2004 has made Modern Woodmen Park, well, modern.

Food & Beverage    3

There are a few good items, but overall I found the food to be only average. Rudy's Tacos serves up some pretty typical ballpark Mexican; chips & cheese ($4), deluxe chips & cheese ($6.50), tacos ($6), and taco salad ($6). It's pretty uninspiring both in name and in execution.

The Davenport Diner stand offers pulled pork nachos ($6.50), which I thought were pretty good. They also have corn dog bites ($4), smoked turkey wrap ($5.25), and pulled pork sandwich ($5.25).

The signature item at Modern Woodmen Park is the Ridiculously oversized pork sandwich ($6.50). That's the actual name, not me editorializing. Burgers, brats, and sausages can also be had, including a footlong brat. One of my favorite snacks at a baseball game is a whole pickle. They have them here ($1), but unfortunately they are absolutely awful.

On the plus side, there is one of the better condiment selections that I have seen. Cheese, onions, bacon, relish, sauerkraut, and sport peppers are available along with mustard and ketchup.

If you're looking for a cold one, then head down the right field line to Bandit Brews. Here you'll find Woodchuck cider, Fat Tire, and a couple of local brews including Great River Pale and Roller Dam Red. A 24-ounce is $6.50 or a 16-ounce will cost you $5.50. If you want something more familiar, then you can find Budweiser, Miller Lite, Killian's, and Michelob Ultra throughout the park for $5.75 per draft.

Carbonated beverages are brought to you by Pepsi, with four different sizes so you can find just the right amount of sugar and caffeine. At Rascal's Carnival you may want to grab a sno-cone ($3.50, or $5.50 w/ a half shot of vodka).

Atmosphere    5

The beauty of the setting of this park is obvious, and it is an absolutely great stadium to never sit in a seat at all. You can walk all the way around the park, with great views of the action, except for the brief period past the right field foul pole where the bounce houses are located for the kids. I should mention that it is perhaps the best bounce house area that I have seen at a minor league ballpark to date. There are picnic tables nearby so mom and dad can stay close to the kids, while still watching the game.

The seats are nice as well, with slightly above average leg room and cup holders. The bleachers section gets you right down by the field, offering a fantastic view, especially if you're in the first couple of rows. Another good place to take in the game is in left field, beyond the outfield wall, where there are tables for standing and eating, and a grassy berm down below for lounging.

Near the home team bullpen, down the left field line, there are a few rows of corn, adding a great local touch to the ambiance of Modern Woodmen Park.

The between inning contests were a little more prevalent than what I would like to see, but they were entertaining. A pasta eating contest, ball toss into the back of a moving pick-up truck, mini tractor race pitting a couple of 3 year-olds, the usual t-shirt toss, and a crutches race, sponsored by a local physical rehab clinic (very creative).

Neighborhood    3

Modern Woodmen Park is located close enough to downtown Davenport that you could walk into town to explore if you would like. I chose to drive the 1/2 mile or so and try out a couple of watering holes and restaurants.

My first stop was Shenanigan's Pub & Dance Club. There's a pool table inside and a dance club in back. The pub offers decent food and some interesting beers on tap, including the Uncommon Stout. With a strong coffee flavor, it was a good first beer in the summer mid afternoon. The menu includes pizza, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and the expected appetizers

Further down the street is Boozie's. Located in a historic building, you can expect outstanding service, and they advertise that they were named best burger in Davenport, and only use Iowa beef. Foolishly, I strayed away and tried the Reuben. I wish I could go back and go for a burger.

Closer to Modern Woodmen Park within easy walking distance is the Rhythm City Casino. There is a nice walk along the river between the two.

If you're staying in town, consider staying at the Blackhawk Hotel, a fitting place since the town of Davenport was named after a colonel of the Black Hawk War, George Davenport. Interestingly, Colonel Davenport was killed on the opposite side of the river by bandits, perhaps contributing to the current baseball team's moniker.

Fans    3

The fans were present and somewhat engaged during my visit, but by and large fell flat. One challenge of many minor league parks is that it only takes one annoying fan to distract from the game. In this case, it was a little girl who wanted to show off her lung capacity by screaming at top volume and pitch. Let's hope she isn't a season ticket holder. In all seriousness though, most of the fans watched the game as you would expect, and it was a pleasant crowd to be a part of.

Access    5

Parking is free, which is always a great way to begin a ballpark visit. Once inside the ballpark, taking a stroll around the park should definitely be on your to-do list. In fact, it is a park that may make you want to keep walking, taking in the rolling Mississippi from the center field concourse.

Restrooms were adequate and clean.

Return on Investment    5

This is one of the more beautifully set ballparks in the minor leagues. Tickets start at $5 for berm seating and run as high as $12 for club seats. In either case, you will definitely be getting your money's worth. Parking is free and food and beverage prices are very reasonable. This is both a beautiful and affordable park.

Extras    3

Modern Woodmen Park was once known as John O'Donnell Stadium. The name comes from the legendary local sports writer. Today the name has changed, but the park still honors his memory with displays within the stadium, as well as naming the Press Box, John O'Donnell Press Box.

I'll award an extra point for the rows of corn down the left field line, a great and unique addition to the park, giving a local flair.

I also really liked the small tribute to Dorothy L. Kohn Wulf, who was named the fan of the century.

Final Thoughts

Anyone who loves ballparks should begin to get to know the wonderful venues of the Midwest League, and Modern Woodmen Park is one not to be missed. My only regret is that I didn't set aside enough time for a few games, as it is a venue that I would like to visit again and again.