Carleton Davidson Stadium – Champion City Kings
- Paul Baker
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Carleton Davidson Stadium 1101 Mitchell Blvd. Springfield, OH 45503
Year Opened: 2004
Capacity: 1,077
Kings of Champion City
Springfield, Ohio’s entry in the Prospect League was not crowned the “Champion City Kings” out of some sense of hubris. When the Slippery Rock Sliders franchise made the move to southwest Ohio in 2014, there was amazingly already another team in the circuit named the Springfield Sliders (the team from Springfield, IL is now known as the “Lucky Horseshoes”) The “Champion City” moniker comes from when the city was the leading producer of the “Champion” combined reaper and mower. The demand was so high for these agricultural products that the manufacturing plant in town covered 54 acres and employed 2,000 people at its height in the 1870s.
Carleton Davidson was a native of Springfield. He was a local civic leader, businessman and philanthropist. He and his wife Ruth established a foundation that funded various projects in the area, including the Davidson Interpretive Center and Carleton Davidson Stadium at Whittenberg University.
The ballpark that came to bear his name was built at the site of the city’s previous baseball stadium, Municipal Stadium. Springfield’s last organized team was New York Giants’ Class D team, which folded in 1951. Built for Whittenberg University’s Division Three baseball team in 2004, the ballpark cost $2.66 million to complete. Upon completion of the ballpark, it was immediately dedicated to Davidson.
Since arriving in Ohio, the Kings have failed to live up to their moniker, qualifying for the playoffs only three times in their 15 seasons, and winning only one playoff game.
Food & Beverage 4
There is a concession stand right behind home plate. The menu doesn’t offer much more than your standard stadium fare, but that’s a lot more than you might be expecting at a small park like this.
Hungry fans can select pizza slices, burgers, hot dogs and brats here. Load up your dogs and brats for an extra dollar. There’s also a good selection of snacks on the menu, including nachos, pretzels, popcorn and ice cream treats.
Coca-Cola products are featured at Davidson Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage will gravitate towards the portable stand selling Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and assorted White Claws.
Atmosphere 2
The game day atmosphere at Davidson Stadium is pretty much what you would expect at a small ballpark in a small city in a lower-level summer league. They do all the things you would expect to see at the bigger ballparks, but on a smaller scale. If you’re a fan of a relaxed, low-key presentation, you’ll enjoy your time in Springfield.
There are some between inning games and contests run by the team’s interns. A 50/50 raffle held each night helps to fund the team’s operations, and there’s a team store offering up some Kings swag. A video board located in left field displays player photos and game information, but does need a little TLC. The sound system is good, and is put to good use with music, sound effects and a PA announcer who goes about his business in a professional manner.
Neighborhood 2
Springfield is the 12th-largest city in Ohio, with a population of about 60,000 residents. Davidson Stadium is located in the Annex Baseball Complex in the center of town on the shores of Buck Creek. Whittenburg University is just a couple of miles away.
While there aren’t any points of interest in the immediate vicinity of Davidson Stadium, visitors to the area will find dining and lodging options a short drive away. The Springfield Museum of Art, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House and Buck Creek State Park highlight the many attractions in Springfield. For a more complete look at dining, lodging and attractions in Springfield, check out the information page on the Whittenburg University website.
Fans 2
The small-town feel is most prevalent in the stands at Davidson Stadium. Most of the fans in attendance seem to be regulars, and most certainly have a connection with the team and the players on the field. They are enthusiastic in their support of the Kings, and knowledgeable about the action.
The Kings annually land near the bottom of the Prospect League’s attendance rankings, with an average attendance of about 400 fans per game. Fans are welcoming to out-of-towners, and you’ll likely have no problem striking up a conversation with those around you. What these fans lack in quantity, they make up for in quality.
Access 3
The city of Springfield is located in southwestern Ohio, between the larger cities of Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. Interstate 70 runs just to the south of the city, and State Route 40 will get you close to the ballpark. Davidson Stadium is located in the center of Springfield, but a trip through the city neighborhoods is required to reach the ballfield.
Once you arrive at Davidson Stadium, you’ll find plenty of room to park in the large lot adjacent to the field. The entrance to the ballpark deposits you right behind home plate, where you’ll find the concession stand and rest rooms. The majority of the seating is located on either base line, in a covered grandstand. The old bleachers have been replaced by uncomfortable plastic bucket seats. Picnic tables and a party area are located further down the right field line, offering views unobstructed by netting.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets to Champion City games are quite affordable. Box seats are priced at $15, while General Admission tickets will cost you ten dollars. Discounts are available for children, seniors and members of the military. Parking is free of charge in the large lots around the ballpark. Concession prices are reasonable as well, making a night at a Kings game an affordable entertainment option for local fans.
Extras 1
An extra point is awarded for the tributes to Bob Pyle, former Springfield mayor and city teacher. Mr. Pyle coached local teams for 52 years, including 42 as the coach of the WBLY team. He had only one losing season during all those seasons, and qualified for 13 National Baseball Congress World Series. He passed away after suffering a heart attack during that 13th appearance at the age of 64. Mr. Pyle is honored on the stadium’s scoreboard and in the locker room.
Final Thoughts
Hidden treasures like Carleton Davidson Stadium are why ballpark travelers crisscross the continent visiting small towns and big cities alike. A hidden gem off the beaten path, Carleton Davidson Stadium provides a nice alternative to the noise and commotion of the bigger ballparks in the area.
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