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7 17 Credit Union Park - Akron RubberDucks

Writer: Dave Cottenie
Dave Cottenie
17 hours ago
5 min read

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey


Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86

7 17 Credit Union Park 300 South Main St Akron, OH 44308


Year Opened: 1997

Capacity: 7,630


Baseball in QuAkron


Akron, Ohio is often referred to as the rubber capital of the world.  At one time Akron was the heart of manufacturing tires.  It remains the corporate headquarters of Goodyear - and it has baseball.  The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians and play in the Eastern League.  The franchise originated as the Binghamton Triplets of the New York-Penn League.  Since 1967, the team has been a part of the Eastern League.  After a number of moves, they ended up in Akron in 1997 as the Aeros. With the explosion of unique brand names in Minor League Baseball, Akron rebranded as the RubberDucks in 2014, a humorous nod to the historical industrial focus of the city.  Since moving to Akron in 1997, the team has won six Eastern League Championships, including 2016 and 2021 as the RubberDucks.  The team is currently owned by the Prospector Baseball Group, who also own the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp of the International League.


The franchise landing in Akron coincided with the opening of Canal Park.  The name of the stadium derived from its location close to the Ohio and Erie Canal, which is behind left field.  In 2025 the naming rights of the stadium were sold to 7 17 Credit Union.


Food & Beverage 5

The concession scene at 7 17 Credit Union Park is among the best in Minor League Baseball.  The concession stands are all unique, most of them with common items as well as some signatures.  The Cleveland Browns themed Dog Pound highlights its menu with the Three Dog Night, a hot dog stuffed in a brat stuffed in a Kielbasa on a bun with sauerkraut.  The brisket and pork belly sandwich known as the Smokestack is also at the Dog Pound.  The Bier Garden has a variety of sandwiches known as dugouts as well as loaded pierogies.  For the game that was reviewed, the RubberDucks played as their alternative brand, the Akron Cream Stick Donuts and a maple, cracker jack creamstick was the feature item.


Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice.  There are also a number of premium beer options to go along with Budweiser and Miller Lite, including Modelo, Golden Road and Rhinegeist.


Atmosphere 4

7 17 Credit Union Park is a bit of an inconspicuous ballpark, but definitely attractive.   Field level is below street level and the exterior on Main Street is attractive brown brick.  The end that is closest to home plate features a small clock tower.


Inside the ballpark, the concourses are open, allowing for a constant view of the field.  There are some team markings in the concourse including support beams with portraits of former Akron players who have made it to the majors.  Unfortunately, the concourses are a horseshoe design and a full 360-degree path around the park is not available.


Traditional seating dominates 7 17 Credit Union Park with suites above the lower level, behind the plate.  The left field side has picnic seating and the right field side has some rail seating.  The tiki bar beyond centerfield and the Duck Club bring the experience to the next level.  7 17 Credit Union Park offers two videoboards, the smaller of which in left center field offers the traditional baseball line score.  One thing of note is the retired jersey number 23 for Akron native and NBA star LeBron James.


The gameday production in Akron is solid with the in-game host keeping everything moving with a number of promotions on the field.  There is no lack of mascots in Akron with Webster being the leader of the group of four. 



Neighborhood 4

7 17 Credit Union Park is located in Downtown Akron.  There are a number of spots that are near for pre or post-game food and drink.  Some options include Barley House, The Lockview, Cilantro, Diamond Deli, Insomnia Cookies and Missing Falls Brewers.


The RubberDucks are not the only game in town, but there are not many others.  The University of Akron fields a number of athletic teams including Akron Zips football, basketball and baseball.


Other tourist options in Akron include the Akron Children’s Museum, Akron History Center, Akron Art Museum and Hower House Museum.


For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Hilton and Courtyard are good options.


Fans 3

Akron has a decent, but unspectacular following for the RubberDucks.  In the 2026 season, at the time of writing, the RubberDucks averaged just under 4,000 fans per game, ranking them 6th in the 12-team Eastern League.  In the 2025 season, they were around the 4,000 mark again and ranked 7th.  At the game that was reviewed, an Akron Cream Stick Donuts game with a giveaway had a complete sellout.  The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive of the team, but there is plenty of room to grow.

 

Access 4

7 17 Credit Union Park is located in Downtown Akron on the north corner of Exchange and Main.  It is ½ km south of Highway 59 and 2 km north of I-76, so a big drive through the city is not necessary.  There are some surface lots and parking garages nearby, but pre-purchasing parking is a good plan, especially on a date where a big crowd is expected.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Main and Exchange.  Rides are free to the RubberDuck games.  Fans should consult the Akron Metro website for fares, schedules and maps.


Getting around the ballpark is not too difficult, however, it should be noted that 7 17 Credit Union Park does not have a 360-degree path, so doubling back will be required along the route.  The washroom facilities are good for the ballpark.


Minor League Baseball security protocols are constantly changing.  Stadium Journey recognizes this and strongly encourages consulting the Akron RubberDucks website before heading out for the most up to date security information including prohibited items and bag policy.



Return on Investment 4

Akron RubberDucks tickets start at $8 for General Admission berm seating.  Reserved seats go from $21 up to $31.  Parking will cost a few dollars and concession prices are what one would expect.  The experience at a RubberDucks game is solid and fans will enjoy themselves, although tickets are heading into expensive territory.


Extras 3

An extra mark for the Akron RubberDucks’ alter ego, the Akron Cream Stick Donuts.


An extra mark for the RubberDucks brand, a perfect fit for the city with a unique twist.


An extra mark for the Ohio and Erie Canalway, just on the other side of left field.


Final Thoughts

When visiting the Rubber Capital of the World, taking in some baseball is not a bad idea.  The Akron RubberDucks at 7 17 Credit Union Park will fill the void and have fans QuAkron with delight!


Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.


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