Blue Wahoos Stadium – Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Photos by Matt Colville Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14

Admiral Fetterman Field at Blue Wahoos Stadium 351 W Cedar St Pensacola, FL 32502

Pensacola Blue Wahoos website

Admiral Fetterman Field at Blue Wahoos Stadium website

Year Opened: 2012

Capacity: 5,038

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Welcome to Hoosville

In 2012, affiliated professional baseball returned to Pensacola for the first time in 50 years, when Blue Wahoos Stadium opened on the downtown waterfront. The last affiliated team, the Class D Pensacola Senators, had folded in 1962, but the city’s passion for the sport was reignited by the independent league Pensacola Pelicans. Purchased in 2002 by local healthcare consultant Quint Studer, the Pelicans played one season at a local junior college, followed by eight successful seasons at the University of West Florida’s Jim Spooner Field, proving that Pensacola was ready for something bigger.

Construction of a 5,038-seat stadium began in 2010 at the site of a former toxic waste dump beside the Port of Pensacola. Initially meant as the home of Pelicans, the project soon drew the attention of the Double-A Southern League, leading to one of the most complex franchise relocations in minor league history. Studer sold the Pelicans, purchased the Carolina Mudcats franchise, relocated another club to preserve the Mudcats name in North Carolina, and even bought the Mobile BayBears’ territorial rights – spending $2 million before the team ever took the field; a fan vote christened the new team the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

Though the stadium fell short of the league’s seating minimum at 5,038 seats, officials waived the rule after seeing its stunning location. From any seat, fans can take in sweeping views of Pensacola Bay, the marina, and the Port – often called the best view in all of baseball.

Nestled within 27.5-acre Community Maritime Park, the stadium features open green spaces, a public marina, and walking paths; since opening it also has become a cornerstone of downtown redevelopment. Now the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, the Blue Wahoos are committed to providing a family-friendly baseball experience. With its intimate setting, modern amenities, and breathtaking backdrop, Blue Wahoos Stadium has secured its place as one of minor league baseball’s premier destinations.

Food and Beverage   4

Over the past few seasons, the Blue Wahoos have completely reimagined their concessions, introducing four themed storefront-style stands; each with its own menu, branding, and personality. In addition to the usual ballpark staples, these stands offer restaurant-quality dishes that reflect the creativity and flavor of the Gulf Coast.

Down the first baseline, Casa De Kazoo delivers a Mexican-inspired menu with tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and margaritas. A local touch also comes from the gourmet cheesecakes supplied by Sweet Blessing Pastries, proudly displayed at the stand. Nearby, the Wheelhouse Diner channels a retro 1950s vibe with specialty hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes. Its most famous creation is the Deep Fried Elvis: a banana dipped in peanut butter and honey, deep-fried, topped with powdered sugar, and served in a hot dog bun. New for 2025, the Wheelhouse also features the Patty Wagon Smash Burger, a hearty addition to its lineup.

On the third base side Hook, Line, and Sinker celebrates Pensacola’s coastal roots with seafood favorites like po’boys, shrimp and grits, grouper sandwiches, fried mullet, and hush puppies. For dessert, the Brioche Double Play is a must-try – a pressed ice cream sandwich with your choice of strawberry, cookies & cream, moose tracks, or birthday cake filling. Also on this side is Fish and Hits, an English and Irish-themed pub-style stand offering fish and chips, chicken tenders, and seasoned specialty fries.

The Blue Wahoos also lean into over-the-top, shareable ballpark creations. A few years ago, they unveiled the Crabzilla – a $25 behemoth featuring crab remoulade, pork belly, soft shell crab, crab mac and cheese, and fried shrimp, topped with lettuce, tomato, and two hush puppies perched on the bun. This gut-busting sandwich even earned Ballpark Digest’s Best Concession award in 2019. Now, new for 2025 is The Trust Fund, a decadent mix of sautéed vegetables, crème fraiche, sturgeon caviar, grilled steak medallions, and snow crab legs, all served in a baseball helmet.

Fans looking for a place to relax will enjoy Bubba’s Sand Trap, a bar behind home plate named after co-owner Bubba Watson. Here you can watch TV, sip frozen cocktails, enjoy craft beer, or even order sushi. The concourse also features smaller stands, including a gyro booth and a Circle K self-serve grab-and-go.

For drinks, the McGuire’s Irish Wake Zone – named for Pensacola’s famed Irish pub – serves specialty cocktails like the Irish Wake and the colorful Blue Wahoo Ultimate (cherry vodka, triple sec, blue curacao, sour mix, and strawberries). Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, outrageous ballpark creations, or a well-made drink, Blue Wahoos Stadium’s food scene is as memorable as its view of Pensacola Bay.

Atmosphere   4

From the moment you walk through the gates at Blue Wahoos Stadium, you know you’re somewhere special. Friendly ushers and an engaging front office staff set the tone, creating an atmosphere packed with energy and on-field excitement. Nearly every game night has its own theme, paired with unique promotions or giveaways, ensuring no two visits feel the same. Between innings, emcees Downtown Dave and Big Time Tim keep fans laughing and engaged with contests, games, and prize giveaways. The team’s beloved mascot, Kazoo – a mischievous blue sea creature – roams the concourse and field, interacting with fans of all ages. In-game entertainment ranges from the hilarious Roach Run, where kids chase a costumed roach across the outfield, to the seventh-inning Grounds Crew Drag and Dance, where the infield crew performs choreographed routines while grooming the diamond.

The stadium’s military connection runs deep, reflected in promotions like the Military Mascot Race, featuring a Navy goat, Army mule, Marine bulldog, and Coast Guard bear.  Also at the main entrance behind home plate you’ll find a nice, detailed “Navy Baseball History in Pensacola” display, showcasing the once prominent Navy baseball scene in Pensacola. Once a month, the club also hosts “Home Run for Life,” honoring a child who has overcome medical hardships – both teams line the basepaths as the honoree circles the bases, high-fiving players along the way, a moment that never fails to inspire.

Theme nights and fan favorites like Doggone Tuesday (fans bring their dogs), 850 Wednesdays (local businesses spotlighted), Thirsty Thursdays ($2 drafts), Giveaway Fridays, Saturday fireworks, and Military Family Sundays keep the calendar full. The Wahoos also embrace their fun alter ego, the Pensacola Mullets, wearing mullet-themed jerseys for select games. Creative theme nights even often transform the ballpark itself – corn stalks at the gates for “Field of Dreams Night,” Ron Burgundy look-alikes for “Anchorman Night,” or colonial settler costumes for Five Flags Fiesta Night, honoring Pensacola’s history and the old Pensacola Dons franchise.

Located inside 27.5-acre Community Maritime Park, the stadium shares space with an amphitheater, playground, outdoor fitness center, and scenic waterfront boardwalk. Palm trees sway along the exterior, adding to the Florida-coastal vibe, and the stadium’s sandy-colored brick facade matches nearby beachside condos. Beyond left field lies the Port of Pensacola and a marina filled with luxury yachts, while the seating bowl offers constant views of sailboats gliding across Pensacola Bay. Seating behind home plate in Sections 100 and 101 has repeatedly been voted the “Best View in Baseball,” and it’s easy to see why.

The park’s elevated concourse – built high due to its hurricane-zone location – offers a 360-degree walkable design so fans never miss a pitch. Behind home plate the Bait & Tackle Team Store stays open year-round, while the Cox Clubhouse features kids games, a bounce house, TVs, and a VR sports room. There are no luxury suites, but the Hancock Whitney Club on the third floor above the third baseline offers premium seating, a full food spread, and stunning summer sunset views over the bay. From top-tier fan engagement to unbeatable scenery, Blue Wahoos Stadium blends baseball charm with Gulf Coast personality, delivering one of the most memorable minor league experiences in the country.

Neighborhood   5

With its prime downtown and bayfront location, Blue Wahoos Stadium sits just two blocks from Palafox Street, the main artery of downtown Pensacola. Along this stretch of South Palafox you’ll find more than 50 restaurants and bars, ranging from casual bites to upscale dining.

A short walk from Palafox is the legendary Seville Quarter, a French Quarter-inspired complex of seven themed saloons. The crown jewel is Rosie O’Grady’s, a two-story institution famous for Hurricane cocktails, dueling pianos, and colorful tales of ghostly patrons.

Just east of downtown, McGuire’s Irish Pub is another must-visit. Known for the more than 100,000 signed $1 bills tacked to its ceiling, McGuire’s offers hearty pub fare at reasonable prices – unless you splurge on its playful $100 burger. Downtown’s walkable streets and waterfront scenery also mean dinner with a view is always within reach.

For a change of pace, the National Naval Aviation Museum – the only museum dedicated exclusively to naval aviation – offers free admission and hands-on exhibits. Visitors can step inside a motion simulator, test their skills in a jet trainer, or explore hundreds of full-sized aircraft. And if you’re lucky enough to be in town when the Blue Angels are practicing, catch the squadron’s jaw-dropping maneuvers, sometimes visible right from the stadium’s right field party deck.

Other area highlights include Pensacola Colonial Village, the historic Pensacola Lighthouse, and Civil War-era Fort Barrancas and Fort Pickens. For sun and sand, Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island is just across the bay, packed with attractions and beachfront dining. A bit farther afield, Destin lies about 45 miles east, while Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are roughly 30 miles west.

Lodging options are plentiful, though prices climb as you get closer to the water. Whether you’re here for a game, a weekend getaway, or a beach retreat, Pensacola blends historic charm, coastal beauty, and plenty to do, all within a short walk or drive from Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Fans   5

In 2025 the Blue Wahoos averaged roughly 3,900 fans per game – second-best in the Southern League – despite playing in the league’s smallest ballpark, with its capacity of just 5,038. What the park lacks in size, however, it makes up for in loyalty: Pensacola boasts the largest season-ticket base in the league, and sellouts are common, creating a lively, packed-house feel nearly every night. The fan base is also as diverse as the Gulf Coast itself; Pensacola’s strong military presence means service members are a regular sight in the stands, while Florida’s Panhandle also draws a significant population of snowbirds and retirees escaping northern winters. On any given night, you might spot jerseys from across the country, representing both major and minor league teams.

Adding to the mix are vacationing families visiting the area’s white sand beaches, many of whom make a Blue Wahoos game part of their trip. When I worked in the front office here, I met fans from across the United States and as far away as New Zealand and Japan. The result is a melting pot of cultures and ages, all coming together for one of the most unique atmospheres in minor league baseball.

Access   3

Blue Wahoos Stadium sits in the heart of downtown Pensacola, right on the edge of Pensacola Bay, just a couple of blocks west of the city’s main thoroughfare, Palafox Street. For visitors coming from out of town, the easiest route is to take I-10 to the I-110 interchange, which drops you into downtown after about four miles. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s a good idea to use GPS; the ballpark can be a little tricky to spot at first, and downtown’s mix of one-way streets can be confusing.

Parking can also be a challenge on busy game nights. A small lot directly outside the stadium charges $10, but fills up fast. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives – about 10 public lots within a 10-minute walk, many of which charge just $5. The team provides a parking map to make it easier to find the best option before you arrive.

Once inside the concourses can become crowded, especially on weekends when attendance is at its peak, and concession lines tend to back up during the busiest innings. Still, the layout is straightforward, making it easy to navigate the stadium and locate your seat. And no matter where you sit, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Pensacola Bay beyond the outfield, a backdrop that makes every game feel a little more special.

Return on Investment   3

Catching a game with the “Best View in Minor League Baseball” doesn’t come cheap; tickets for Blue Wahoos games typically run between $23 and $35, a steeper range than many Double-A parks. The good news? Parking is a bargain, and with a little luck, you can even snag a free spot in downtown Pensacola.

At one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country, you’re not just buying admission to a baseball game – you’re investing in the full experience. From the breathtaking bayfront backdrop to the lively, fan-friendly atmosphere, it’s a setting that ranks among the very best in all of Double-A baseball.

Extras   5

Since 2015 the Blue Wahoos have enjoyed a unique connection to golf greatness through co-owner Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion and proud Pensacola native. When he’s not on tour Watson is a familiar face at the ballpark, often spotted behind home plate with his wife and kids.

Unlike some celebrity owners who stay behind the scenes, Watson embraces the fan experience. He doesn’t just show up; he mingles, chats, and shares the stands with the crowd, making him as approachable as he is accomplished.

Another familiar name in the ownership group is Derrick Brooks – Pensacola native, NFL Hall of Famer, and former Florida State linebacker who starred for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brooks shares his half of the team with Bubba Watson, while local businessman Quint Studer owns the other half. Adding to his local ties, Watson also runs Bubba’s Sweet Spot, an ice cream shop just a couple of blocks from the stadium.

Another plus for the top row of Section 101 earning the title of Best View in Baseball, offering sweeping, unobstructed vistas of Pensacola Bay that no other ballpark can match. Beyond left field, the shoreline comes within just 15 to 20 feet of the fence, creating a scene reminiscent of McCovey Cove at San Francisco’s Oracle Park – it’s not unusual for big hitters to launch home runs that splash down into the bay’s sparkling waters.

The Blue Wahoos have been recognized multiple years in a row for delivering the Top Fan Experience in Baseball, because they put their fans first in everything they do. One of the team’s biggest advantages over other organizations is their commitment to listening; after every game fan engagement surveys are emailed to every ticket buyer, asking what they loved, what could improve, and for an overall rating of their visit.

The Wahoos also track their Net Promoter Score – a measure of how likely fans are to recommend the team to others. During my time working with the Wahoos, they posted an NPS of 85 out of 100, a figure that actually ranked higher than the Walt Disney Company. It’s a testament to a philosophy that values feedback, acts on it, and keeps the fan experience at the center of the ballpark. The Wahoos are committed to their mission statement to improving the quality of life for people in Pensacola.

Blue Wahoos Stadium is also truly a multi-purpose facility that hosts up to 200 events every year.  In addition, the Wahoos have a fully functioning in-house catering staff led by Executive Chef Travis Wilson, and the views from the Hancock Whitney Club provide the perfect backdrop for numerous dinners, banquets, and parties throughout the year. Community Maritime Park, where the stadium is located, also hosts a plethora of different events such as concerts, runs, and festivals throughout the year. It’s safe to say that Community Maritime Park and Blue Wahoos Stadium have been a huge success for the City of Pensacola, and will continue to serve the community well for years to come.