Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43
Pohlman Field 2301 Skyline Dr Beloit, WI 53511
Year Opened: 1982
Capacity: 3,501
Snappers Still Standing Strong in Beloit
Pohlman Field was built in 1982 and holds 3,501 people. The park was originally named Telfer Park until the 1987 season when it was renamed after Harry C. Pohlman, who was a long-time coach in the Beloit school system and in American Legion Baseball. He was also an original member of the Beloit Brewers board of directors. The team is community owned and a not for profit organization (you can donate to the park and all contributions are tax deductible).
Note that minor league baseball gave the Snappers an exemption due to the park not currently meeting MiLB standards to continue playing here, but that exemption expires in 2020. Renovations depend on revenue generated, the local government, and volunteers. However, the Beloit Snappers market is small which makes cash flow a problem. As such, there have not been many additions or upgrades to Pohlman Field since it was built. However, after the 2012 season, the outfield was raised and made level with the infield, and a new sprinkler system was installed.
The Beloit Snappers have won the Midwest League Championship four times: in 1965, 1977, 1999, and 2008.
The dimensions of the park are 325 feet in left and right field and 380 feet in center field; there is also a spacious foul ground.
Food & Beverage 3
Concession stands are located behind home plate and down the right field line.
The concession prices here are great, although nothing on the menu is unique or could be considered non-traditional baseball fare – options include such fare as pizza, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts. The most expensive food item on the menu is the nachos w/cheese at $3.25; 20 oz. Pepsi products are $3, as are many of the food items. Condiments for hot dogs are the usual ketchup, mustard, onions, and sauerkraut.
The beer choices at Pohlman Field are Miller and Leinenkugel’s products. Domestic 12 oz. drafts are $3.25, with the same size premium beer at $3.75; 20 oz. drafts cost $1.50 more, and wine is $5.
Atmosphere 2
The majority of the crowd at Pohlman Field tends to be older people who are into the game (many who are host families for the players). Of course, there are some families too, but it is weird that there are so few kids here.
There is no big video board, simply an older digital scoreboard. So, you will not see any replays or “get louder” videos. But there are a ton of ads on the outfield walls – those in addition to the lighting give the stadium an old-time look.
You will not find the amenities of the newer ballparks here. The seating is made up of mostly metal benches, with only a couple hundred box seats (molded plastic) in the grandstand behind home plate. Down the left field and right field lines are “picnic” decks, which is an area where you can stand or sit at a picnic table and watch the game. The concourse area runs behind the main grandstand.
The kid’s play area is small and has a slide and a fast pitch. Other than that there is really not a lot to keep a small kid entertained.
The gift shop is small but has a decent selection of hats and t-shirts. Other than that, there is not much in there. The prices are very reasonable.
Snappy D. Turtle, the mascot, is frequently sighted on and off the field.
If you need to be constantly entertained by between-inning entertainment, or you need big giveaways, this is not the place for you. The music that is played throughout the game is older tunes rather than loud more modern music. This is old-time baseball here.
Neighborhood 2
Pohlman Field is located in a residential neighborhood next to a covered ice rink / recreational park (Telfer Park).
There are plenty of chain hotels (Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn, etc.) and independent hotels within one mile of the ballpark. The restaurants within a few blocks of the ballpark are few and consist of Vinces’ Gourmet Hot Dogs, Krystal Family Restaurant, and even Casey’s gas station (which has sandwiches and good pizza made fresh). If you travel a bit farther you can get to some chain restaurants such as Taco Bell, McDonald’s, etc.
Fans 2
The fans that show up have a good time watching the game and are very nice people. You’ll find several fans with a scorebook intently watching the game and keeping track of every pitch. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough fans to create much electricity or atmosphere.
The team has averaged only about 900 fans per game over the past few years, so there is no need to buy a ticket in advance.
Access 3
Getting to Pohlman Field is relatively easy – it is located on Skyline Drive about one mile west of the intersection of Interstate 90 and Interstate 43 (Route 81). Public transportation is not an option, but free parking is available near the stadium.
Return on Investment 3
General admission, reserved, and box seats on game day are priced $8, $9, and $10 respectively. There is also an all you can eat option on the party deck which includes hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chips, baked beans, Miller beer and canned Pepsi for $30. The prices of the tickets, concessions, free parking and friendly people make this place worth visiting, and a great deal from a cost standpoint.
Extras 2
The players don’t have facilities connected to the dugouts, so you will frequently see players in the concourse walking to and from the dugouts, which is good for the people who like to get autographs.
There are several banners at Pohlman Field honoring former players, including “From Beloit to the Majors” plaques. There are also championship banners displayed on the clubhouse.
Final Thoughts
Sure, the stadium is very dated and has none of the modern amenities that people are used to these days. But you can’t go wrong with Pohlman Field. Couple the free parking with the great ticket prices, cheap food, nice people, and good beer, and it is hard to beat the deal you get in attending a Beloit Snappers game. I would definitely put this stadium on the must-see list, especially since the Snappers may not be around much longer.