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  • James Hilchen

Modern Woodmen Park – Quad Cities River Bandits


Photos by Stadium Journey


Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.26

Modern Woodmen Park 209 S Gaines St Davenport, IA 52802



Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 7,140

 

Ferris Wheels and Fantastic Views

Modern Woodmen Park opened in 1931 as Municipal Stadium. The stadium seats 4,024 and can hold much more with a large number of open seating bleachers, a few grass berms, and eight group areas that are mostly standing room only. It sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa and is the home stadium for the Quad Cities River Bandits, of the Midwest League. The River Bandits began an affiliation with the Houston Astros beginning in 2013.


In the past few seasons, a sky deck has been added along with a 20′ x 35′ video board in left field. In 2014, the park added a 110′ Ferris wheel beyond the left field wall. The Ferris wheel is a very popular attraction. Modern Woodmen Park is the oldest stadium used continuously (since 1960) for Minor League Baseball.


Food & Beverage 4


Food is served in the traditional concourse style. Outside of the traditional baseball fare, which is all available, there are a few items worth mentioning. The bacon-wrapped corndog is available for $5.50 and the newest unique addition is the deep fried Oreos which can be had for $4.


Pepsi products are available from the fountain in various sizes ($2.75, $3.75 or $4.75) or bottles are also available ($3.50)


Draft beer ($5.50-$7.50) is sold throughout the concourse for those that want the name brands, such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, etc. The Good Hops craft beer stand is located on the first base side. You have your choice of many microbrews for $6.50 to $7.50.


Atmosphere 5


The view from Modern Woodmen Park qualifies as one of the best in baseball. Albuquerque has a spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains, Salt Lake has a spectacular view of mountains, and Modern Woodmen’s view of the Mississippi and the Centennial Bridge is just as amazing. The view at night with Centennial Bridge lit up is worth the price of admission by itself.


Between the Ferris wheel and left field wall is a grass berm where fans can sit. On Sundays fans are allowed to bring their dogs and sit on the berm. The general admission seats are down the left field line and although they are bleachers, they do have backs so they aren’t as uncomfortable as regular bleachers. Down the right field line is a play area for kids including a jumper, rock climbing wall, and speed pitch game. There are picnic tables and other seats in the play area that allow for watching the game and keeping an eye on the kids at the same time.


A nice feature of the park is that you can walk all the way around the field. There is a walkway behind the batters eye that allows for great views of the river and bridge while standing right on top of the Mississippi.


Neighborhood 4


The Quad Cities have a lot to offer. Next to the park is the Rhythm City Casino. This riverboat casino offers all that you would expect from a casino including a great buffet with different features every night.


Front Street Brewery is located down the road and worth a look. The main brewery and restaurant are over 100 years old. It’s a great place to stop before or after the game. Numerous fans mention Boozie’s Bar and Grille as another place to stop. Boozie’s has traditional bar food and the burgers are top notch.


Across the river in Moline, Illinois is the Bier Stube, a great German food/pub. They have a friendly staff and some quality German food.


If traveling to the Quad Cities with children, the John Deere Pavilion is located in Moline. For any child that likes big mechanized equipment, this is the place for them. They can climb in all the different farming equipment and the visit is free.


Fans 3


With so much to do, the fan’s attention isn’t always on the field. With rides, games, and the views, there are some fans that come for reasons other than to watch the game. However, there are quite a few of the hardcore fans that follow every pitch and know their team.


Access 4


Modern Woodmen Park is located right off the Centennial Bridge and is easy to find. Because it is close to downtown Davenport, parking is $2 to assure that people parking there are going to the game. There is another parking lot west of the bridge where parking is free. When the park is full, getting through the concourse can take some effort. Many mobile concession areas in the concourse along with lines at the permanent concession stands cause some gridlock. The restrooms are clean and sufficient for the size of the park.


Return on Investment 5


Tickets range from $5-$13 when buying prior to game day, running $1 more when purchased on game day. Whatever level of seating you choose, it is well worth the money. Parking cost is minimal at $2 or free just down the street. With the food prices being in line with other ballparks, Modern Woodmen Park is well worth the money.


Extras 5


I will add an extra point for the views because five stars just isn’t enough. Especially for night games, you can’t beat the scenery.


An extra point goes to the game day staff. They are very pleasant and willing to help make the fan experience the best it can be.


An extra point is awarded for a ceremonial rock at the base of the American flag in left field. The large rock, encased in plastic, has the names of all the local men and women who lost their lives in defense of our nation. Also in left field, there is a tribute to Dorothy Kohn Wulf, the fan of the century.


A nice feature is more apparent later in summer. Behind the bullpen down the left field line is a small corn field. The corn field is an ode to the Field of Dreams movie site located a couple hours away in Dyersville (and well worth the trip).


The final extra point goes to some of the great promotions. Fireworks are every Friday and look tremendous with the scenic backdrop. Sundays are great for autograph seekers. Every Sunday, the players are on the field to sign autographs prior to the game.


Final Thoughts


Anyone who is a baseball fan simply must come to Modern Woodmen Park. The views can’t be beat, the staff is super friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. Plan a trip to Modern Woodmen Park and enjoy!

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