Block Stadium - East Chicago Thunder

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71

Block Stadium 1601 E. 144th St. East Chicago, IN 46312

East Chicago Thunder website Block Stadium website

Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 3,500

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East Chicago's Block Stadium is Ready for Business

Block Stadium has been the home to baseball in East Chicago, Indiana, for many years and went through a $5.5 million renovation in 2021 and 2022 that transformed the historic grandstand into a full-fledged ballpark worthy of a summer collegiate baseball team. That occurred in 2025 with the creation of the East Chicago Thunder of the Region Collegiate Baseball League.

The stadium debuted on Memorial Day in 1942 and was a gift to the city by the Block family, who owned the Inland Steel Company. Work on the $40,000 stadium began in July 1940 and is dedicated to the memory of E.J. (Jimmy) Block, who suddenly passed away in 1939. He was an avid baseball fan and played for regional teams.

Its opening was accompanied by a large parade by the U.S. Army Band, area high school bands, and a flag-raising ceremony by a contingent of U.S. Army troops. Vendors made their way throughout the large covered grandstand selling peanuts, popcorn, pop, and candy to the 20,000 who were on hand for the opening ceremonies.

The stadium was used for a variety of activities:  football, baseball, soccer, boxing, wrestling, and even the occasional open-air opera. It could be expanded to accommodate up to 12,000 people.  It included a ticket window, canteen, lockers, and showers for the players and a public comfort station when it opened.

The stadium hosted the East Chicago Conquistadors of the independent Mid-America League, known more for their uniform controversy. Today, it’s the home to the East Chicago Central High School baseball team, the Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave, and the East Chicago Post 369 American Legion club in addition to the Thunder.

Food & Beverage 3

Block Stadium houses a concession stand that serves hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, snacks, and soda. However, there are home dates where food trucks are brought in to offer an array of ballpark food. During our visit, there were Loli’s Mexican and Kona Ice. 

These options are great to have, but not being able to grab a hot dog and a soda at the ballpark is against all laws of baseball. If you are looking for a cold beer, you won’t find it at Block Stadium, but according to league commissioner Dave Sutkowski, that could change in the future.

Atmosphere 3

Block Stadium is a beautiful ballpark that offers a covered grandstand. The renovations turned the venue into an impressive baseball stadium. Fans enter under the giant stadium marquee into an open area where food trucks and the concession stand are located. Signage hangs from the light poles honoring former players who played at the stadium, including former major league outfielder Kenny Lofton.

The grandstand is made up of metal bleacher seating and several rows of plastic seats. A thick netting protects fans from foul balls, and the original stadium’s framework and pillars add a nostalgic feel to the game. There is a small scoreboard with video features in left field. Another old-time touch is the two light towers that are in foul territory on the right and left field lines.

The Thunder does not offer a merchandise stand, announcements on the PA, or in-game promotions to engage the crowd in between innings. The team does not feature a merchandise table, nor are there game day lineups or standings anywhere inside the stadium. 

Neighborhood 3

The stadium borders a residential neighborhood and the school’s equally impressive football stadium. East Chicago is a city of 29,000 residents and is located in The Region of Northwest Indiana, 24 miles from Chicago. It is home to ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Works, the largest steel mill in the country, U.S. Steel’s East Chicago Tin, and the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal complex.

Indianapolis Avenue features various eateries, shops, and other commercial retail stores in town and the neighboring cities of Hammond and Munster. Bugatti’s Steak and Pasta is located along Lake Michigan and offers fine dining, the Cavalier Inn offers Polish cuisine in a relaxed setting, and Johnel’s Restaurant offers American fare. Saul’s Chicago Style Grill offers iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, gyros, and Italian beef, and Millo’s Pizza Shack has deep-dish, stuffed, and thin-crust style pizzas on its menu.

Two of Indiana’s best breweries are near East Chicago. Three Floyds Brewery & Pub is world-renowned for its beers and is worth a visit. The brewery gets very busy, but visitors can enjoy a Gumballhead, Lazersnake, Zombie Dust, or Yum Yum on draft. 18th Street Brewery is located in Hammond and also offers a place to eat, while you can order a Candi Crushable, Devil’s Cup, or the Best Patio Pils.

Fans 2

There were a few fans in attendance due to Mother Nature dropping buckets of rain over the stadium. The faithful audience cheered on their hometown squad, while a few were there for the nearby visiting Lake County Corndogs team.

Access 4

Block Stadium is easily accessible by car and offers a parking lot and plenty of street parking near the entrance. The stadium is north of I-90 and west of US-12. Once inside, there is more than enough room to roam, and crowds don’t appear to get crowded enough to cause congestion at the concession stand.

Return on Investment 3

An adult ticket is $8, and a senior citizen and children's tickets are $5; and kids under 12 years old are free. The parking is free, and concession prices are well below what you would expect at a ballpark. 

Extras 2

Block Stadium has been updated quite handsomely. It looks modern but holds its old-school charm. The main entrance marquee is a nice addition to the stadium and stands out along with the exterior plaza design.

Final Thoughts

Stadiums of this magnitude don’t usually get the royal treatment of a $5.5 million renovation, but it has transformed the old place into a beautiful new palace for baseball. If the game day atmosphere can feature more of what fans expect at a summer collegiate game, then this will be the place to be in the area.

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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com