Cairns Field - Saskatoon Berries
- Jim Flannery
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
NextGen Patch at Cairns Field 1717 Dudley St
Saskatoon SK S7M 2T7
Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 2,200
Saskatoon Berries
The Saskatoon Berries joined the Western Canadian Baseball League in 2024, becoming the latest addition to this college summer league, competing across Saskatchewan and Alberta.
The WCBL traces its roots back more than a century, initially as the Canadian-American Baseball League, then evolving to the Western Canada League, the Northern Saskatchewan Baseball League, the Western Major Baseball League, and now its current iteration since 2019.
The Berries play at Cairns Field in the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. Cairns Field has almost as much history behind it as the league, built in 1914 and hosting a team in the Western Canada League. Several other teams have come and gone from the field over the years, including the Gems in the early 1950s, the Commodores in the late 50s and early 60s, with the 60s version of the team switching names several times between Commodores, Ambassadors, and Blues. Then there was a long pause before the Yellow Jackets moved in from 2002 to 2014. And now we have the Berries as the latest entry into the league.
In spite of its age, Cairns Field has seen several upgrades over the years, giving it a modern feel, with all the amenities you’d expect to find.
Food & Beverage 3
The main concession stand is situated in the K+S Multi-Sports Centre, a complex at the heart of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex which serves as the grandstand for both Cairns Field and, on the other side, the track and field facility. This is just inside the gates and to the right.
The usual assortment of concession options can be found here, including hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and pop. For something special, try the Berries Burger ($9.50), made with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and Saskatoon Berry Aioli.
To the left of the gates is a set of picnic tables to hang out and eat your food, and also the Berries Hi-Ball Shack, where you can find an assortment of adult beverages. This includes several varieties of beer (check out the Berry Beer from local brewery 9 Mile) and hi-balls with rye, rum, or vodka.
There is a satellite concession stand at the end of the left field fence to serve folks out there in the bleachers or standing room, and a concession cart behind the right field bleachers as well, both providing a stripped-down menu from the main spots' options.
Additionally, tucked in behind the Multi-Sports Centre you’ll find a food truck, delivering some other treats and adding to the overall variety.
Atmosphere 3
A packed house at Cairns Field brings good energy to the experience.
With the crowd shoulder-to-shoulder in the stands, it’s easy to feel the excitement around you, and every cheer feels exciting and authentic, sweeping everyone up in the entertainment.
Neighbourhood 3
Cairns Field is situated between an industrial park and a residential area. As a result, there isn’t much to do or see in the immediate area. Korean restaurant Diane’s Kitchen is a block north of the diamond and available for pre-game dining (or post-game if it’s an afternoon game). Or if you want to pop in to grab a slice of outstanding pizza to eat elsewhere, you can head into Vern’s Place, which is primarily a Husky gas station, with the pizza stand tucked into the back.
Directly south of the Gordie Howe complex is the Holiday Park Golf Course, if you want to shoot a round before the ball game. And the Gordie Howe complex also has a campground, so if you want to bring your tent or trailer to town and stay right there when coming for a game, rather than looking for a hotel, that’s a good option.
A fairly short 11-block drive north brings you to one of the major roads in Saskatoon, where you can find a bunch of options. All the usual franchise places can be found along this road, plus some nice local options, like the Blue Diamonds for anything from a burger to Veal Cordon Bleu.
Fans 4
The fans bring good energy to the field. As with most teams in this league, things are fairly subdued most of the time, but pleasant. Fans cheer at appropriate times and let the umpires know when they aren’t happy with a call, showing they are engaged in the action.
Access 4
Access around the diamond is pretty good, with few pinch points along the way. The area just inside the main gates, in particular, is spacious and accommodates lots of people around the concession stand, the pro shop, the washrooms, and the beer shack.
There is ample parking around the stadium, all free. The easiest parking is directly north of the field, with plenty of room for the vehicles coming to the game, but there are several other lots around the complex with a bunch more space, so there’s little chance of everything being full.
Roads clear out relatively quickly around the field. With its central location, people can head in all directions to get to where they’re going.
Return on Investment 4
Ticket prices are pretty typical for the WCBL, with adults at $19, youths at $12, and children at $9.50 for assigned seating and $12 for general admission on the bleachers. You can also trade up to Castle seating behind the plate for $28 each.
Extras 4
The Saskatoon Berries have a bit of a silly name, in the spirit of the Savannah Bananas. But credit where credit is due, they have fully embraced this name and jumped hip-deep into the fun.
For example, the above-mentioned Berries Burger with Saskatoon Berry Aioli. Or their mascot, a big bear, named Barry, whose team jersey has the number 3.14 (aka pi. Get it? Barry Pi? Moving on…). Barry makes his way through the concourse and stands throughout the game, entertaining the kids and taking part in many of the between-inning contests and giveaways.
Cairns Field has a big, impressive Jumbotron-style video screen overlooking the right field fence, providing game info and trivia about Berries players.
Just inside the main gate is the team’s pro shop where you can get all the team memorabilia you’re looking for, from hats and shirts to miniature Barrys.
The park has recycling bins alongside its regular garbage cans, which is always nice to see.
Final Thoughts
Berries baseball is relatively new in town, but the sport has a long and storied history here. The fans understand the game and have already established a solid core group. Coming to Cairns Field for a game is a fun time and well worth the visit.
