Delta Dental Stadium – New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Paul Baker
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Delta Dental Stadium One Line Drive Manchester, NH 03101
Year Opened: 2005
Capacity: 6,000
20 Years at the Tooth
Some ballparks have names that just roll off the tongue. Others have monikers that easily translate into catchy nicknames. Alas, the ballpark in Manchester, New Hampshire has never enjoyed either of these luxuries. Born in 2005 as Fisher Cats Ballpark, the ballpark was re-christened as MerchantsAuto.com Stadium in 2006. In 2011 Northeast Delta Dental insurance entered into a naming rights deal, shortening the park’s name to “Delta Dental Stadium” in 2022. Sometimes referred to as “The Tooth” (but thankfully usually not), the home of the Fisher Cats enters its 20th season in 2025. The Fisher Cats have won three Eastern League championships since moving to New Hampshire from New Haven, CT.
The ballpark was built on the site of the former Singer Park in the Manchester Millyard, a soccer stadium that was also used for circuses, carnivals, and summer concerts. The grounds are notable for being the site where bricks from the Arms Textile Mill are buried. The Arms Textile Mill was the site of the deadliest outbreak of anthrax in United States history.
You may be asking yourself, what exactly is a fisher cat? A fisher cat, or Pekania Pennanti, is a carnivorous mammal native to forests of Canada and northern United States. It is not actually a cat, and is more closely related to the American or Pacific marten. Despite its name, a fisher cat rarely eats fish, choosing to hunt small animals and forage for fruits and mushrooms. A fisher cat is one of the few animals that can successfully prey on porcupines.
While Delta Dental Stadium sits on the banks of the Merrimack River, the river factors very little into the stadium design. The ballpark faces away from the river and it is not visible from much of the facility. The dominating feature of this ballpark is the Hilton Garden Inn, which towers over the field in deep left-center field. Many rooms feature views of the ballpark, and there is a patio from which hotel guests can sit and take in the action.
Food & Beverage 4
The concessions experience at Delta Dental Stadium seems to change annually, expanding and contracting at a whim. During Stadium Journey’s 2025 visit, it appeared that a return to basics was in order.
There are three main stands scattered throughout the ballpark which offer mostly standard ballpark fare, not straying far from your typical hot dog/burger/chicken tender menu. Pizza slices are sold at the big stands, with value meals offered for fans looking to save a few dollars. Smaller carts scattered throughout the concourse augment these stands with specialty items such as Dippin' dots, Mac and Cheese, and gourmet hot dogs.
Bottled Coca Cola products are featured at Delta Dental Stadium alongside a good selection of beer. National brands are featured, as well as local craft favorites from Moat Mountain, and a special brew for the Fisher Cats, Line Drive Lager from Great North Aleworks.
The centerpiece of the dining experience here is the Sam Adams Brewhouse, located at the top of the stairs as you enter the ballpark. Open to all ticket holders two hours before and after the game, the Brewhouse features a seating area that overlooks the field, several high-definition televisions, an 85-foot-long Mahogany bar, and live music on the Tiki bar stage every Thursday-Saturday. The Brewhouse can also be reserved for private functions.
Atmosphere 4
The Fisher Cats offer the typical minor league gameday presentation, starting with a couple dozen first pitches and continuing with distractions aplenty throughout the game. All your typical in-game hijinks can be found here, from grass angels to mascot races. Younger fans in attendance will gravitate towards the Planet Fitness play area at the far end of the concourse, while the adults in attendance will likely head to the social area outside of the Sam Adams Brewhouse, where live music is played before weekend games.
The Fisher Cat staff work hard to provide entertainment for New Hampshire baseball fans. There are tables operated by local vendors scattered throughout the concourse, fast-pitch booths and midway games for younger fans, coloring stations, live music, free programs and more every night of the season.
Neighborhood 3
Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city, located about an hour’s drive northwest of Boston via Interstate 93. Delta Dental Stadium is located on the banks of the Merrimack River on the opposite side of the river from the highway, just a short walk from downtown Manchester.
Aside from the Hilton Garden Inn and the Sam Adams Brewhouse, which are basically part of the ballpark, there is not much in the immediate vicinity of Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.
Visiting fans looking for places to eat or drink will find no shortage of places in downtown Manchester about a mile from the ballpark. The Red Arrow Diner is perhaps Manchester’s most famous eatery, having been open for close to a century. It’s a favorite stop for politicians campaigning in the area and locals alike. Open 24 hours, it’s known for its enormous portions of comfort food and all-day breakfast.
Less than an hour north of Manchester are the White Mountains, which contain some excellent ski resorts. In the summer many mountain areas convert into summer vacation destinations. Favorite attractions such as Lake Winnipesaukee and the numerous touristy spots along the Kancamangus Highway are just a short drive away.
Fans 3
The Fisher Cats annually finish in the bottom half of the Eastern League attendance rankings, averaging around 4,000 fans per game. Being affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays while located in the middle of Red Sox country is hardly a recipe for success, but the Fisher Cats have a dedicated, enthusiastic fan base.
As is typical in minor league parks throughout the country, crowds in Manchester are a mixture of die-hard baseball fans and families. With the constant on-field shenanigans and things to do for young and old fans alike, there’s solid energy coming from the stands.
Access 4
While Northeast Delta Dental’s location right off Interstate 293 in downtown Manchester would seem most convenient, getting in and out of the area can be difficult. The ballpark is located on a dead-end street with only one way in and out, meaning you shouldn’t be in a hurry, especially when leaving after the game. In fact, many Fisher Cats fans choose to park in the lots further from the ballpark because these lots are much easier to get out of.
After the standard security screen and bag check, fans enter the ballpark via a staircase that deposits them onto the concourse in deep left field. Located here is the Sam Adams Brewhouse, tiki bar, pavilion, rock waterfall and stage. It’s a great introduction to the park on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
The concourse wraps around the field to deep right field. The open concourse, located at the top of the seating bowl, allows for views of the field from all spots. All the seats here are green plastic stadium chairs, except for the furthest sections in right field, which are made up of metal bleachers. Unfortunately, the seating bowl is not angled towards home plate, meaning seats further down the lines face centerfield. The children’s play area is located at the end of the concourse in right field.
The concourse is somewhat narrow and crammed with tables, booths and carts. It can be difficult to navigate when there is a large crowd in attendance. Restrooms are clean, and large enough for the typical Fisher Cat crowd.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets to Fisher Cats games start at $12 for seats furthest down the lines, topping out at $18 behind home plate. Seats in the Bullpen Patio and Pavilion by the Sam Adams Brewhouse can be found for $24. Check the Fisher Cats website for more deals, including free food when you buy four or more tickets.
Parking in the Fisher Cats lot and SNHU Millyard Garage closest to the ballpark will cost $10. There are cheaper alternatives further from the ballpark across Granite Street, but these lots involve a decent walk. There is some on-street parking near the ballpark and in the downtown area, but these spots are snatched up quickly. Pay attention to the times meters are in effect, as these spots may cost you depending on the time of the game.
Concession prices are generally in line with other venues in the area. Access to the Kids Zone is $5. Delta Dental Stadium is a cashless facility.
Extras 3
An extra point is awarded for the Hilton Garden Inn that towers over the field and the Sam Adams Brewhouse two very unique features in an otherwise plain ballpark.
Three retired numbers hang on the right field fence honoring individuals who never suited up for the Fisher Cats; 42 (Jackie Robinson), 83 (in honor of Manchester police officer Michael Briggs, who was killed in the line of duty) and 29 (local resident and major leaguer Chris Carpenter).
A final extra point is awarded for the superb array of alternate realities trotted out by the franchise. In addition to the Primaries, the original name of the ball club (and in this writer’s opinion, what this team should have always been called), the team also boasts the chicken tenders (Manchester is the birthplace of the classic food favorite) and the space potatoes, which combine the state’s official vegetable with the lore of New Hampshire’s claim to being the site of the first widely reported alien abduction.
Final Thoughts
A Blue Jays farm team in the middle of Red Sox territory has to work harder to keep the fans coming, and the Fisher Cats staff do a great job filling Delta Dental Stadium year after year. While this may not be the most memorable ballpark out there, there’s plenty going on in Manchester to make a Stadium Journey to the Granite State worthwhile.
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