Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
ABC Supply Stadium 217 Shirland Avenue Beloit, WI 53511
Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 3,850
A Beautiful Setting along the Riverin Beloit
The Midwest League has been part of the Beloit, Wisconsin, community since 1982 when the Milwaukee Brewers placed an affiliate at Pohlman Field. The team would change names to the Snappers in 1995 and shuffle affiliates from Milwaukee to Oakland until 2020 when it was painfully obvious that a new facility was needed to save baseball in Beloit.
ABC Supply Stadium was built along the Rock River downtown for $37 million through private funds. The 3,850 seats and grandstand contain concessions, larger clubhouses, and a 5,000-square-foot stadium club that can be converted into banquet space for non-baseball events. The difference between the two ballparks is night and day and with its proximity to downtown shops and a restaurant, an ideal way to spend an entire day in town.
With the new ballpark, came a new name for the ball club. The Sky Carp name was chosen from a set of five finalists that honed in a local colloquialism. It is a slang term for a goose that does not migrate in the winter and prefers to stay in its home city. The Sky Carp name represents the city of Beloit as a flourishing town that is so vibrant that no one wants to leave. The ball club also became an affiliate with the Miami Marlins and includes many of the styles and colors of the parent club.
Food & Beverage 4
The ballpark has plenty of food that reflects the state’s brand of cuisine from brats, cheese curds, and favorites from Chicago. All four main concession areas are located on the main grandstand behind home plate next to each other, while other carts and kiosks are sprinkled throughout the stadium down the left and right field foul line.
The Pohlmans Stadium Grub offers burgers, Italian beef, Chicago dogs, brats, and hot dog baskets with french fries. Fans in large groups can order a supper box that includes 2 Italians, 2 Chicago dogs, and a pound of fries and cheese curds. A few feet away is El Jefe Street Tacos which features birra and chicken tacos, loaded chicken tacos, and mango margaritas.
Wisco on a Stick brings the atmosphere of the state fair to the ballpark. Ribs on a stick, bier braised brats, chicken tender baskets, corn dogs, loaded baked potatoes, funnel cake fries, and cheese curds are all on the menu. Fans can also select from boozy milkshakes, frozen sangrias, and margaritas, along with canned and draft beer.
The Deck Deck Goose is located along the first baseline and offers a great place to enjoy the game while engaging in an adult beverage. The full-service bar offers draft domestic and craft beers, along with mixed drinks. Fans can enjoy favorites from Goose Island IPA or a Spotted Cow, along with frozen Old Fashion or Blue Mule.
Atmosphere 3
The ballpark is a vast improvement over old Pohlman Field and is situated in a better location. It’s constructed in a manner that allows easy access for fans, provides a wrap-around concourse, and has an interior design that is quite different from other venues of its kind around the minor leagues.
It was a slow night when we attended the game, but there was plenty of room for movement including drink rails and tabletop seating for various views of the field and socialization. The seating in the grandstand is the typical green color, but there is a turf berm area in front of the party deck behind the outfield walls for additional space to view the game.
The ballpark has a pleasant setting along the Rock River and at the steps of downtown. It is also near the border of Illinois and Wisconsin. A giant water tower can be seen from beyond the right field wall to add to the small-town charm of the facility.
Sadly, the ballpark does not offer covering behind the backstop of the grandstand. However, the gift shop is nearly 1,000 square feet in size and offers an array of team merchandise. The Goose Island Party Deck (right field) and Coors Light Chill Zone (3rd 3rd baseline). The Chill Zone is a blend of patio seating, turf lawn, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Neighborhood 4
The stadium is located in downtown Beloit, a city with a population of 40,000 (163,000 in the metro area). Downtown is historic and an attractive place to visit before or after the game and includes several restaurants a few blocks from the ballpark.
Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar and Hatley’s Pub are across the street and recommended by locals. The Wisconsinite combines all of the state's favorites into one burger: cheddar cheese, fried onions, brat slices, and beer cheese sauce. Hatley’s Pub’s food is toned down a bit and includes ribeye steak, chicken, and Italian beef sandwiches.
Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Truk’t: Street Tacos, Tequila, & Whiskey is a fun little place to grab tasty tacos and something to drink. The tacos include chicken tinga, al pastor, short rib, Korean barbecue, and shrimp curry. The cocktails include a smoked Manhattan, cucumber cilantro margarita, and a bourbon peach smash. If you desire a brewery, CheezHead Brewing is your destination for a wide selection of Wisconsin beers and their very own varieties.
A note to ballpark travelers, the home of the Rockford Rivets, Rivets Stadium, is a 20-minute drive south of ABC Supply Stadium on I-90. It is possible to take in two games easily if the schedule permits. Also, Warner Park, the home of the Madison Mallards, is a bit further up the interstate at an hour’s drive.
Fans 2
The team currently ranks last in average attendance in the league and that is unfortunate because the ballpark has almost everything a person would need at a stadium of its kind. The food, views, locations, and hospitality are all here waiting to be explored by the local population of Beloit and surrounding towns.
Access 5
The ballpark is located in downtown Beloit and off of I-90. There are 900 spaces of free parking outside the stadium and 100 more spots within a 7-minute walk of the stadium off of Mill Street (for a $5 fee). There is a clear bag policy for Sky Carp games, so pack accordingly. The crowds are sparse and movement around the concourse allows easy access to all parts of the stadium.
Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey
Return on Investment 3
Ticket prices depend on the time of year you attend a game. The range from $14, S17, to $21 if you are there between April to May. For the rest of the summer months, the prices are $16, $19, and $23. These prices are somewhat on the high side for a Midwest League club, but parking is free near the stadium. Food and concession prices also reach a bit on the high side for games, but isn’t that the case at most newer stadiums across the country?
However, there are certain nights where one can save a few dollars including Thirsty Thursdays where prices on drinks are discounted and Wednesday nights include a ticket, a hot dog, and soda for $18. If with the family, Saturday nights are firework nights and kids run the bases and play catch on the field on Sunday afternoon games,
Extras 3
Poopsie is the official mascot of the Sky Carp and he earns a point for his contribution to the game. The ballpark itself earns a point for its design and location in downtown and along the Rock River. A third point is awarded for a veteran raising the flag before each game.
Final Thoughts
The history of baseball in Beloit almost came to an end, but the construction of ABC Supply Stadium helped save the franchise from relocations or being ousted by Major League Baseball. It is located in a beautiful setting in Beloit and has a charm that is not found at many minor league stadiums across the country. It has all the bells and whistles any fan would desire at the ballpark and perhaps they will find their way there soon.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com