English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park - Virginia Tech Hokies

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14

English Field 200 Duck Pond Dr Blacksburg, VA 24060

Virginia Tech Hokies website

English Field at Union Park website

Year Opened: 1989

Capacity: 4,000

A Home For The Hokies

English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park is the home of the Virginia Tech Hokies baseball team. Sitting in the heart of the campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, this ballpark opened in 1989 and seats approximately 4,000 fans between reserved chairback seats and some terraced seating in left field.

The ballpark was heavily renovated in 2018, adding a new grandstand and suites as well as a picnic area down the right field line. Virginia Tech has not enjoyed as much success in baseball as some of their ACC rivals. They are one of only two schools in the conference never to make the College World Series, the other being Pittsburgh.

Food & Beverage 4

There are two concession stands at English Field, although for many games only one will be open. Meal options include smash burgers, impossible burgers, and chicken tenders, all of which come with fries, as well as chicken and waffles and hot dogs.

A dessert waffle is also available with an assortment of toppings, as are french fries, fried pickles, salted pretzels, nachos, peanuts, and cracker jack. Soda and bottled water are available, and beer is available to fans of age.

Prices for meals will run $10-$13, but since most of them come with fries, this is not a bad value. The multiple unique options also improve the concessions experience.

Atmosphere 5

English Field consists of a mix of chairback seats behind home plate and terraced grass seating down the left field line. If sitting on the terrace, there is some concrete to sit on so you are not sitting directly on the grass. This is a relatively small ballpark, so you will have an excellent view of the action wherever you sit. A scoreboard in right-centerfield also shows other graphics like the lineups.

All seats at English Field are general admission. If you want an actual chairback seat rather than a terrace seat, you may need to arrive early. For an early season or weekday game, you should have no problem, but later in the year, it may be more difficult, especially if you are a large group sitting together.

Before the game, the Hokies take the field to "Enter Sandman" much like the football team does. Unlike with football, the crowd typically does not sing along, but it is still a fun tradition. The team mascot, the Hokie Bird, roams the stands and takes pictures with fans. However, he often leaves early in the game, so arrive on time if you want to interact with him.

Neighborhood 4

English Field is in the middle of the Virginia Tech campus, and you will likely need to head off-campus if looking for a place to eat. Nearby Main Street offers many options, including the Hokie House restaurant and bar, P.K.'s Bar and Grill, and cuisines from Japanese to Mexican to Nepalese. Blacksburg may be in a remote location, but it is a fine college town. Most of the businesses cater to students or others associated with the university, given the population in this area.

Fans 4

What kind of crowd Virginia Tech draws will depend on where you go. For an early season or weekday game, the Hokies may draw under a thousand fans. Later in the season, as the weather warms up and conference play begins, the crowds get larger. The crowd consists of fans of all ages, from small children to people who have been cheering on the Hokies for decades. Some of the kids will play catch on the concourse behind the terrace, but for the most part this is an engaged, loyal crowd.

Access 4

Virginia Tech’s campus is easily accessible from I-81, about 10 miles away on US 460. Take the Southgate Dr. Exit off of US 460 and it will take you right to English Field at Union Park. Free parking is available in the Cage Lot, a short walk away down Duck Pond Drive.

There are also golf carts driven by Tech employees that will take you the short distance if you want. That lot may get crowded for weekday afternoon games since it is also a commuter lot. If you are unable to park here, you can park in any other lot on campus but will need to pay through an app.

Getting around the concourse is straightforward, and the restrooms are clean and of a sufficient size for the crowds the Hokies typically draw.

Return on Investment 5

Admission to non-conference Hokies baseball games is free of charge, even weekend ones, an excellent value that is almost unheard of at this high a level. ACC games will typically cost between $12 and $16 depending on the opponent. Parking is free and concession prices are reasonable. Overall, a Virginia Tech baseball game is an excellent value.

Extras 3

Look for the "retired" numbers display outside English Field, featuring the numbers 15 and 1 in honor of Johnny Oates and Chuck Hartman. Although Virginia Tech officially no longer retires numbers, they display them to say they would have retired them if they did such a thing. Look for the team store on the concourse selling Hokies merchandise. A third and final star for the unique berm terrace seating area.

Final Thoughts

English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park is a gorgeous stadium with a unique seating layout. While Virginia Tech is not an ACC powerhouse, a Hokies baseball game is still a great experience to check out. Whether you're sitting on the terrace or the chairbacks, make the trip down to Blacksburg, hang out with the Hokie Bird, and check out a Virginia Tech baseball game. The chance to see a game here completely free of charge just sweetens the experience even more..