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  • Greg Venuto

Dutchess Stadium – Hudson Valley Renegades


Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey


Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29

Dutchess Stadium 1500 Route 9D Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 4,494

 

A Hidden Hudson Valley Gem

The “Dutch” as it is affectionately known is a great place to watch a game. It became the NY Yankees High A affiliate this year (2021) after being tied to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Renegades play in the North A Division of High A East.

A 25-year lease between Dutchess County and the Renegades was recently negotiated to keep the Renegades in town. The County plans to spend 25 million on improvements utilizing the one-time American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding from the Federal government. Dutchess County will own the land where the stadium is situated. The improvements include the construction of a new clubhouse for the Renegades, new pitching and batting areas, as well as a new seating area and enclosed event space.

Food & Beverage 4

The food choices are varied with everything from traditional hot dogs and hamburgers to a Millhouse Bistro with grilled cheeseburgers, pastrami, sausage and peppers, and chicken sandwiches. Pastrami is $9, burger $8, and a 16 oz. can of beer is $7.

Other highlights are the Dutch Beer Garden and the new addition during this 2021 year is the Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream stand. Ice cream with unlimited toppings is $8. Thunderclaps are $13 and ice cream topped with cherry merlot or chocolate cabernet is $10.

Atmosphere 3

The park has a friendly vibe with plenty of people working and eager to greet. There is room to walk around and an area for private parties and events along the left and right field lines. The stadium has the main entrance behind home plate and an entrance for season ticket holders on the first base side.

Here Come The Yankees is played as the Renegades take the field and the sounds of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” is heard over the PA following the final out.

On this night, there was a band playing in between innings and the music was pleasant and not overbearing. The PA announcer is entertaining and rallied the home faithful. He adds an amusing quip for example “Chad Bell goes shopping at The Gap with an RBI double”.

The Renegades are plagued by fewer rainouts as the field was converted to AstroTurf in 2015. There are no seats beyond the fences and I-84 is visible down the right field line. There iss a nice blend of couples, younger and older people along with many families and different local youth teams represented. All the seats offer a nice view.

Neighborhood 3

There are places to hang out before or after the game a short drive from the stadium. There are a few restaurants on 9D as you approach the venue from the south. Two Way Brewing (Thursday-Sunday) and Hudson Valley Brewing (Friday-Sunday) are located just south of the stadium in Beacon.

Fans 3

A big hit is the Conga Line as the fans and some stadium employees frolic around the concourse from left field to right to the song Hot Hot Hot. Some of the fans have cowbells and a pair of season ticket holders post Ks after every strikeout by a Hudson Valley pitcher.

Access 4

Dutchess Stadium is conveniently located just off I-84 and not far from the Taconic Parkway. It is only 5 minutes north on 9D after exiting the highway. The Metro North train stops in Beacon and then it’s just a short taxi or Uber to the ballpark.

Return on Investment 3

All the seats offer a nice view. Seats range from about $8 for a bench seat along the right or left field line to $20 for the best box seats on weeknights and $22 on weekends.

Extras 3

Some of the special promotions coming up are Witch’s and Wizards Night, Hero’s Night, 20th Anniversary of 9/11 with Light Show, and Princess & Unicorns. Thirsty Thursdays with $3 domestic tap beers on sale, and Fireworks on Fridays are two popular attractions.

Final Thoughts

Dutchess Stadium is a nice venue to take in a game and with the new improvement planned it will be even more attractive next season. It is an hour’s drive from White Plains, only 40 minutes from Danbury, Connecticut, and 60 miles from Yankee Stadium.

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