Legacy Dodge Field - Fort McMurray Giants
Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Legacy Dodge Field 1 C.A. Knight Way
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 5E9
Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 5,000
Fort McMurray Giants
The Fort McMurray Giants expanded into the Western Canadian Baseball League in 2016. Ironically, they had to play their home games 430 km away, in Edmonton that year, as a devastating wildfire ravaged their home city. A decade later, the city has done a lot of cleaning up and rebuilding and the Giants are able to play at Legacy Dodge Field.
The WCBL traces its root back more than a century, initially only in Saskatchewan and slowly growing out across Alberta as well, with its current iteration being in place since 2019.
Legacy Dodge Field is located in MacDonald Island Park, directly north of downtown. The diamond is situated at one end of a massive public complex on the island called the Suncor Community Leisure Centre. This massive facility houses the MacDonald Island golf course’s clubhouse, a public library, a water park, field house, a football stadium, Legacy Dodge Field, and much more.
The ballpark opened its doors in 2015, so it’s still quite new and fresh, with lots of modern features.
Food & Beverage 3
There are concession stands at both ends of the stands on the concourse. Offerings are fairly run of the mill, but tasty enough. Prices are reasonable as well, with a burger going for $8 and bottles of pop for $4.
There are also two specialty stands behind home plate. The first is Kids Korner, with treats for the youngsters in the crowd, like candy bars and ice cream. The second stand, Beer Batter, is located in two spots and offers a variety of specialty adult beverages, including high balls, and cider.
Atmosphere 3
The audience is quite chill at Legacy Dodge Field. As with many small towns and cities in the league, the crowds seem to be there as much to hang out with friends as they are to watch the game, so it’s pleasant and relaxed in the stands. But there is also appropriate cheering for a big play or the Giants scoring.
Neighbourhood 4
Legacy Didge Field is located in the heart of Fort McMurray, just to the north of the downtown core. This makes it pretty easy to get to all parts of the city quickly and easily.
There’s a good chance you could spend your entire day at Suncor Community Leisure Centre without getting bored. The facility features a public library, a massive waterpark, weight rooms, dance studios, a fieldhouse, a corridor featuring a free art display, two hockey rinks, and three locations to grab a bite to eat: Yogen Fruz, Mr. Pretzels, and The Chopped Leaf. Beyond that, there is a conference centre and a football field that also houses a concert stage. Plus an 18-hole golf course if you want to shoot a round before the ballgame.
Heading off the island, there’s still plenty to do nearby. In the middle of downtown is Kiyam Community Park, a beautiful open space with a full-size basketball court, a multi-use surface, a medicine wheel rock garden and a water feature. Headed in every direction from that park are restaurants, shops and services.
Peter Pond Mall is a couple blocks further south from Kiyam Community Park and is features more than 60 stores and services. Sharing the same parking lot is Rivers Casino, if you want to try your luck at some games of chance.
The downtown area also features all manner of food options, from franchises like Subway, Boston Pizza, and Earl’s, to more exotic fare, such as La Mesita for some Filipino-Asian fusion dishes or Blue Ivory Ethiopian Cuisine.
Other interesting options include Hu’s Pizza, which is tucked into the back of a building and includes an old school arcade with a bunch of classic games. Or you can try the Tavern on Main for some after-hours beverages.
Fans 3
The Giants draw about 1,200 fans per game, which puts them fifth in the league of 12 teams for attendance. As noted above, fans are relaxed and low key, chatting with each other and having a good time, but appear to be engaged and aware of key moments throughout the game. They are not rowdy, but they’re enjoying the time out with friends.
Access 4
With ample parking around the Suncor Community Leisure Centre there’s lots of room to find a good spot, out of range of foul balls. There are also two bus routes that can take passengers to MacDonald Island Park, so that’s also an option.
Once inside the facility, the concourse is quite roomy, allowing easy movement around the stands. No bottlenecks, and plenty of space beyond the concourse proper up the first base line for people who want to sit on the grass.
Return on Investment 4
Seat pricing for the Giants is typical for WCBL venues, with adult general admission at $25 each. This is a competitive price for baseball being played at this level. Parking is free, so that makes for an affordable evening of entertainment for the family.
Extras 4
The field is all artificial turf, including the “dirt” areas in the infield and outfield, making this a unique diamond for the WCBL, where natural grass and dirt surfaces are the norm.
The team has a mascot, Stomper, who takes part in promotions and helps entertain the younger fans as he wanders around the concourse during the game.
The club has a fully appointed merchandise store, just inside the main entrance, for all your Giants memorabilia needs.
It’s always nice to see recycling bins at parks and you can find them here to drop off your cans and bottles to take care of the environment.
Final Thoughts
Fort McMurray is remote, so making a trip up there takes some time and planning. But Legacy Dodge Field is worth a visit for WCBL fans and there’s plenty to do in and around the city if you plan to stay a few nights.
