Katterjohn Field – Gainesville Gol’Diggers

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29

Katterjohn Field 898 Longstreet Circle Gainesville, Georgia 30501

Gainesville Gol'Diggers website

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The Gainesville Gol’Diggers began play in the Sunbelt Baseball League in the summer of 2021 under the moniker of the Gainesville Braves. In 2023 the team rebranded as the Gol’Diggers, a nod to the Georgia Gold Rush of the early 1800s in the nearby Georgia mountains.

Since joining the league, the Gol’Diggers have found quick success, capturing back-to-back league championships in 2023 and 2024. Originally playing at Gainesville High School’s Ivey-Watson Field, the team moved crosstown in 2024 to Katterjohn Field, located on the campus of Riverside Preparatory Academy.

Food & Beverage   1

A small concession stand is tucked into the bottom of the press box behind home plate. The menu is limited to steamed hot dogs, chips, candy, and cookies, along with bottled water and soft drinks. It is simple and functional, similar to what you would find at a high school event.

Atmosphere   2

Katterjohn Field has all that would be expected of a high school baseball facility – aluminum bleachers, chain-link fencing, and a small game operations area/press box behind home plate. The field is sunken below the surrounding land, offering a unique setting framed by Riverside Prep’s castle-like buildings in left field, practice fields in right, and the North Georgia mountains rising in the background.

While several fans make the trek down the hill from the parking lot to sit in the bleachers or set up tailgating chairs behind the backstop, others opt to stay atop the hill near the parking lot and watch from above.

Entertainment during the game is minimal, including walk-up songs, inning-break music, and a few sound effects. While this low-key presentation suits the laidback nature of the game, some sound effects seem to be overused and do not fit the feel of the game’s atmosphere.

Neighborhood   3

Riverside Preparatory Academy is nestled in a residential area near Little River, which flows into Lake Lanier. The campus is about three miles north of downtown Gainesville. Nearby eateries include Mellow Mushroom and City Park Pizza for a convenient pregame meal. Downtown Gainesville, though, offers options like Alpha Gyro Grill (Greek), Collegiate Grill (burgers), and The Inked Pig (barbecue).

For a laidback, local hangout, NoFo Brew Co. on the Midland Greenway is popular with locals. In addition, a unique Gainesville landmark, Poultry Park, celebrates the city’s poultry industry with a 25-foot marble obelisk topped by a bronze chicken.

Fans   2

The Gol’Diggers typically draw around 50 fans per game, mostly friends and family of players; the team has not been able to into the community much as of yet. Occasionally, passersby out for an evening walk may stop to watch from the hill beyond left field, but that’s about it.

Access   2

Gainesville is located northeast of Atlanta, accessible via I-985. While not far from the metro area, it can be a bit of a drive if coming from Atlanta or any of its other suburbs.

Parking is shared with the adjacent track and football stadium. Katterjohn Field sits at the bottom of a steep hill, which can be a challenge for some fans. As a result, many choose to stay atop the hill and watch the game from up above.

Return on Investment   5

At just $5, admission is very reasonable, especially compared to other teams in the league which charge for tickets. Concession prices are as would be expected at typical high school concession stands, so all in all, it’s a solid value for a summer night of baseball.

Extras   1

Credit to the Gol’Diggers for making an effort to brand Katterjohn Field as their home. Team signage along the outfield fence and around the dugouts adds a touch of identity to the otherwise modest facility.

Final Thoughts

There are not a lot of extras when it comes to the summer baseball experience with the Gainesville Gol’Diggers, and that is perfectly okay. With smaller crowds and a laidback vibe, the low-key presentation fits the setting.