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No Pro Team in Connecticut, No Problem

Official Review by Jim Mancari, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

Though no Major League Baseball teams play anywhere near central Connecticut, that hasn't stopped the New Britain Rock Cats from bringing competitive baseball and a family atmosphere to southern New England.

New Britain Stadium was built in 1996 to house the Rock Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Currently, the Rock Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.

The ballpark, which holds 7,489, is part of the Willow Brook Park athletic complex and is situated right next to a football field. The stadium complements the quaint town of New Britain nicely.

New Britain Stadium itself is a typical minor league ballpark with great fan amenities from the non-stop family entertainment activities to the affordable food and beverages. Trees abound beyond the left field fence, giving the ballpark a secluded feel, and adding a touch of New England to the overall experience.

Visiting New Britain Stadium may not be the same as going to a Major League stadium, but it definitely satisfies the baseball needs of those not wanting to travel to New York or Boston.

Food & Beverage    4

Not only does New Britain Stadium offer a wide variety of concessions, but also the food is very affordable, unlike many Major League ballparks.

Legends Diner is a must visit. Located behind home plate, the eating establishment features pictures of several prominent former Rock Cats (Justin Morneau, Torii Hunter, Joe Mauer and David 'Big Papi' Ortiz).

The Infield Fry is also a great stop for a snack, and the fried dough is an absolute must.

In addition to the typical ballpark concessions, the stadium features a Rita's Italian Ice stand. A cool ice is a refreshing treat as the sun sets over the ballpark.

Atmosphere    5

Like many minor league stadiums, the ballpark atmosphere appeals most to the fans, and New Britain Stadium captures this atmosphere flawlessly.

The stadium often hosts community events and theme nights to get the local New Britainites involved with the team.

Down each foul line, there are shaded patio sections (Comcast in right and Ford in left) that are great for parties or family reunions. There are inflatable rides for the kids and always someone manning the grill during the game.

Rocky, the team's mascot, often signs autographs and poses for pictures in these sections.

Neighborhood    3

New Britain seems like a quiet town with some parts which are up and coming.

The area is not as bustling as the surrounding areas of the professional teams in the Northeast, but that doesn't take away from the experience.

Central Connecticut State University with its Blue Devil athletic teams is located in the vicinity.

Fans    4

New Britain Stadium fills up almost every night during the summer, since the fans in the area can't get enough of their Rock Cats.

The great thing about being in Connecticut is that fans of a multitude of professional teams (Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox) all unite to root for the local team.

There's always a sea of colors in the stands, but mostly red and black - the colors of the Rock Cats.

The community events are also a great way for fans to get involved. The Rock Cats hosted an event for boy scouts this summer in which each pack displayed their banner as they paraded around the warning track.

Access    4

Unlike some of the newer ballparks that offer a non-stop view of the action, the concessions and souvenir shops are located through the tunnels beneath the stands.

However, these areas are quite spacious, so taking a break from the game isn't too much of a hassle.

The stadium is easy to get to from any locale, and the scenic drive to the park through the mountains is a great way to prepare for some baseball.

Return on Investment    5

Both the tickets and the refreshments are affordable which makes visiting New Britain Stadium a fun time for the whole family.

Though it's not the same as witnessing a Major League Baseball game, Double-A provides a competitive style of baseball. In fact, many teams these days house their top prospects in Double-A to make sure they get the necessary experience before moving up.

Therefore, it's very possible that current Rock Cats' players will be playing in the big leagues before too long.

Extras    2

From about an hour before game time until roughly the third inning, the sun is a little brutal along the right field seating area. It's great that fans can sit so close to the action, but they're also right out in the open since there's not much shade. Be sure to bring sunblock.

However, once the sun goes down, the cool breeze is very comfortable and enjoyable for the majority of the game.

One issue, though pretty minor, is that the seats face straight ahead and not towards home plate. Newer stadiums angle the seat towards home since that's where most of the action occurs.

Overall though, when visiting ballparks in the Northeast, New Britain Stadium is an underrated wonder that must be seen.

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