Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
FNB Field 245 Champion Way Harrisburg, PA 17101
Year Opened: 1987
Capacity: 6,187
Island Baseball Sensylvania
The idea of island baseball leads one to think of some exotic locale such as Hawaii or Puerto Rico. However, in this case, island baseball refers to Central Pennsylvania. In 1907 baseball in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania took up residence on City Island in the middle of the Susquehanna River. Baseball was played here until 1952.
In the eighties, once again the push for baseball on City Island was loud and the City of Harrisburg built Riverside Stadium to attract Minor League Baseball. In 1987 the Harrisburg Senators moved in. In 1991 the team would change affiliates from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Montreal Expos and remain with the franchise even after its move to Washington to become the Nationals.
The stadium changed names numerous times with various banks holding naming rights. In 2015 the naming rights were acquired by FNB Financial and the upgraded ballpark was rechristened FNB Field. Upgrades to the ballpark were necessary to keep the team in the Pennsylvania Capital.
Ownership of the franchise has bounced around from a city-owned team to Michael Reinsdorf to Mark Butler of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, eventually, becoming part of the massive Diamond Baseball Holdings conglomerate. Known as Sensylvania, the experience is one for all baseball fans.
Food & Beverage 4
FNB Field offers a solid lineup of concession options. There are a few concession spots in different areas of the ballpark. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, fries, pizza, and other simple snacks are on the menu. Spots fans will want to check out start with the Backstop BBQ and Arooga’s Wing Shack, located on the first base side at ground level.
Backstop BBQ offers brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage, while hand-tossed chicken wings and burgers along with fries and funnel cake are found at the wing shack. The pretzels here are pretty massive and worth considering also. Later, a stop at the Sweet Spot for some Hershey’s hard or soft ice cream can finish the culinary experience. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at FNB Field and a variety of domestic beer can also be found.
Atmosphere 4
FNB Field is a unique facility starting with the entry. Fans enter the ballpark from the leftfield side as opposed to the traditional home plate entry. This makes the exterior of the ballpark a bit different. The team store is immediately in view and features several Senators markings, along with Washington Nationals markings. The championship seasons of 1987, 1993, 1996, 19997, 1998, and 1999 are marked on the outside. Temporary banners of former Senators who have gone on to the big leagues welcome fans as they enter the ballpark under the protection of a large overhang at the left field plaza. Fans may want to check out the City Island Carousel, which is further to the left of the entrance and not part of the ballpark.
The Senators continue their nod to the history of the franchise with the life-size bobbleheads that make up the 25th Anniversary all-time team. They can be found under the grandstand closer to the first base side and include well-known names from the Expos and Nationals including Matt Stairs, Stephen Strasburg, Cliff Floyd, Michael Barrett, Ryan Zimmerman, Brandon Phillips, Bryce Harper, and the favorite son of the Senators, Vladimir Guerrero. Guerrero’s number 27 is also retired and hangs on the left field fence beside the number 42 of Jackie Robinson.
FNB Field offers a wide variety of seating options. The main grandstand is fairly steep and offers a split seating bowl with an open walkway between the two levels. Some seats in the main grandstand are protected from the elements by an overhang. Down both baselines, there are more seats some in right field and more in leftfield. A set of bleachers is found on the right field side of the stadium and a picnic area is in right field also.
Picnic tables with umbrellas, perfect for large groups, are along the third base side of the park at the concourse level. FNB Field is a 360-degree park and there are spots to hang out just about everywhere. Of note, in the left field cheap seats, the section in the corner is open to all. A lifeguard chair sits behind the section and on hot days, there is an attendant who sprays the crowd with water in that section from the chair.
The gameday production at a Senators game is about what one would expect at a Minor League Baseball game. There are plenty of promotions throughout the game between innings. A moment of note during the game that was reviewed was the Senators mascot, Rascal, dancing on the field with a few kids, dressed just like him. They were known as the Little Rascals.
Neighborhood 4
FNB Field is located on City Island, in the middle of the Susquehanna River, adjacent to Downtown Harrisburg. There are several spots for pre or post-game fare downtown, which can also be accessed by the pedestrian bridge from the island. McGrath’s Pub, Federal Taphouse, Bacco’s Pizzeria, and Palumbo’s are all good options.
There isn’t much in the way of other sporting options in Harrisburg, but the Hershey Bears of the AHL are right next door. In addition to other Hershey entertainment options, fans should consider the National Civil War Museum and Pennsylvania State Capital as other tourist options. City Island Beach, mini golf, and the Skyline Sports Complex can be found on the island. For fans wishing to stay near the park, the Quality Inn and Hilton are close.
Fans 3
The Harrisburg Senators enjoy decent support at the turnstile. In the 2023 season, the Senators averaged over 4,200 fans per game. They rank 53rd in Minor League Baseball and 7th in the Eastern League. The game that was reviewed was a mid-week, afternoon game with plenty of kids in attendance. The fans at the game reviewed were pretty reserved, and not overly boisterous.
Access 3
FNB Field is located on City Island, which can make getting to the ballpark a bit of a challenge. The island is south of Downtown Harrisburg. Downtown is north of I-85 and there is not too much of downtown that requires traversing. That being said, getting to the island on the Market Street Bridge can be slow. There is parking on the south end of the island and finding a spot should not be a big issue.
Finding parking in Downtown Harrisburg and walking across the bridge may be a better option. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the train station at Market and Aberdeen. Fans should check the Capital Area Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. Inside FNB Field, there are plenty of stairs that will require traversing. The concession stands on ground level become a bit more of a challenge, with stairs to get there and back up to the grandstand level. The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility.
Stadium Journey recommends checking the Harrisburg Senators website for the most up-to-date security info, including prohibited items, gate opening times, and security protocols.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets for the Harrisburg Senators can be found for a decent price. Dugout boxes go for $25. Most seats can be had for $21 and the cheapest seats are $19. Parking on the island is $5 and concession prices are what one would expect. The experience at FNB Field is solid and fans will have a good time. In the end, it all adds up to a good MiLB experience at a price that will not require a meeting with a banker.
Extras 3
An extra mark for the unique island setting.
An extra mark for the success the Senators have enjoyed on the field, winning the Eastern League Championship four seasons in a row.
An extra mark for being the only game in town.
Final Thoughts
Taking a trip to City Island for some Harrisburg Senators baseball is a great plan for some summer entertainment. FNB Field is truly a unique facility and the team puts together a good experience. Sensylvania is the place to be.
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