Optimist Park - Raleigh Red Oaks

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14

Optimist Park 805 Northclift Drive Raleigh, NC 27609

Raleigh Red Oaks website Optimist Park website

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Baseball Beneath the Red Oaks

The Raleigh Red Oaks are a summer collegiate baseball team playing in the Old North State League, which features 24 teams, all but one off which are located in North Carolina. The Red Oaks play their home games at Optimist Park, a city park in Raleigh. Adjacent to the main stadium are several other baseball fields used by youth organizations, as well as a swimming pool, a climbing wall, and more.

The Red Oaks were originally known as the Oak City Gliders, but came under new ownership in late 2024 and changed their name to the Raleigh Red Oaks. The team leans heavily into squirrel imagery, as is depicted in their logo.

Food & Beverage 3

There is one concession stand located out of a snack shack at Optimist Park down the first base line. It mostly sells snacks such as candy, popcorn and chips, although hot dogs are also available. To drink, you can choose from bottled water, Gatorade, soda, or non-alcoholic beer. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $5. Fans can also bring their own food and drink, with the exception of alcohol.

This score does get brought up a notch by the food promotions the Red Oaks sometimes stage to supplement the menu. This could be anything from bringing in a local food truck to giving out free donuts. Check the Red Oaks' social media for more details.

Atmosphere 4

The Red Oaks' baseball field is located in a secluded, woody area of the larger municipal park that, like the baseball field itself, is called Optimist Park. There is wooden, amphitheater style seating on ledges behind home plate, and many fans elect to bring their own chairs and sit at the top or bottom of the seating area as well. Wherever you sit, you will have an excellent view of the action, although not necessarily a comfortable one. You will be watching through a fence rather than netting, but it is not particularly obstructive. A scoreboard in right-centerfield shows the linescore and other basic information.

The Red Oaks have several promotions in between innings to keep fans engaged, such as dancing to the Y.M.C.A. song. There are also several promotional nights throughout the year such as 80s Night which offer extra fun, so check the team's social media for more information on when those are planned.

Fans are not permitted to keep foul balls, but can return them to the concession stand for a free popsicle. Kids love chasing after balls to claim their prize.

Neighborhood 3

Raleigh is a nice enough city, but Optimist Park is located in a residential neighborhood far from most of the action. If you head south along Six Forks Road a few miles towards I-440, you will find that the North Hills area has a lot to offer. From steakhouses to burgers to tacos to sandwich shops, you will find a lot to eat or drink here. It is a few miles from the stadium, but you will likely go through it on your way to and from the ballpark coming on or off the highway.

Fans 3

The Raleigh Red Oaks will draw a hundred or so fans for a typical home game, which given the small size of the seating area is a reasonable crowd. The fans can get involved at times, but at other times it will be pretty silent here. The Red Oaks have a loyal but small fan base that is passionate, yet friendly. Since kids under 12 get in for free, you will find a lot of families here, but people of all ages attend from the very young to the very old and everywhere in between.

Access 2

Optimist Park is located in a residential neighborhood a few miles off I-440 and several other interstates that serve Raleigh. Follow the signs on Northclift Road to the Red Oaks parking - GPS apps will frequently misdirect you to the wrong area of the park but the signs will get you where you need to be. The lot should not fill up, but if it does, you can park in one of the others. Restrooms are located back by the parking lot, a couple minutes walk from the seating area. They are clean and sufficient for the crowds, but it will take a few minutes to walk there so plan accordingly.

Return on Investment 5

Admission to Raleigh Red Oaks games is just $10, with kids under 12 getting in for free. Parking is free and concessions are highly affordable, if limited. Overall, a Raleigh Red Oaks game is an excellent value.

Extras 2

Look for the merchandise table selling Red Oaks gear right next to the concession stand down the first base line.

A second star for all the friendly and helpful staff.

Final Thoughts

The Raleigh Red Oaks have made their quaint home at Optimist Park. A visit here is a chance to see a baseball game in a scenic, bucolic, and unique setting at an affordable price. While it may not be as fancy as many other ballparks in the area, Optimist Park is still a great place to spend a warm summer's night watching some baseball.