Equity Bank Park - Wichita Wind Surge

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14

Riverfront Stadium 275 S McLean Blvd Wichita, KS 67213

The Wichita Wind Surge website

Riverfront Stadium website

Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 10,000

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Wichita Wind Surge

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” were the words uttered by Dorothy as she discovered the enchanting land she was swept into via tornado in The Wizard of Oz. This simple movie quote, which has become a part of modern lexicon, creates an image that Kansas is nowhere as fantastical and engaging as the magical land of Oz.

When planning dream vacations, Wichita, Kansas is more than likely not at the top of many travelers’ lists. I would venture to guess that Kansas is one of the last places most people would consider as they plan their sojourns. Wichita, however, should become a not so hidden gem.

Located on the western banks of the Arkansas River (Pronounced ar-KAN-zus in the state of Kansas), in the center of the historic Delano neighborhood, Equity Bank Park provides a beautiful, modern home for the Wichita Wind Surge.

Constructed on the site of former Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in 2019 as a Triple-A complex, the stadium officially opened in 2021 after COVID and the MLB minor league realignment as host of the Minnesota Twins Double-A affiliate, Wichita Wind Surge. It immediately became one of the best facilities in the Texas League.

Food & Beverage   4

Concession options at Equity Bank Park are better than expected. Food options range from basics like hot dogs, burgers, and nachos to specialty items such as Cuban sandwiches, Freddy’s Frozen custard, quesadillas, meatball subs, and buffalo fries.

Beverage options are plentiful whether you desire alcoholic or non-alcoholic choices. Coke products are the soft drinks offered, including multiple flavors of Powerade, Coca-Cola, and Dr Pepper, among others in both 20 ounce bottles and in souvenir cups. Most domestic beers are available in cans and on tap, with Kona Big Wave and Mango Cart also being offered on tap. If stronger drinks are desired, mixed drinks can be purchased as well.

For fans desiring to upgrade their visit, the Vault offers single game tickets for a premium experience. Tickets to the Vault include an all-you-can-eat buffet offering specific game themed menu items as well as regular ballgame fare. Chef Paul Valenzuela creates a menu that is both restaurant quality and thematically inspired by the current opponent.

The buffet is available through the first few innings of the game, after which hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks remain available until the end of the game. A fully stocked bar is also located just inside the door of the Vault, with drinks available for cashless purchase. All food and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the price of your Vault ticket.

Atmosphere   4

Fans of the Wind Surge are loud and loyal. Thanks to consistent and interactive between-inning entertainment options, there is very little downtime during a game. Some of the fan involvement games include scoreboard-based games and quizzes, full crowd dances, knocker ball battles, or an ice cream toss from the top of the dugouts, to name a few. There is not a single between-inning break where fans are left with nothing to focus on, either on the field or on the scoreboard, creating a consistent and efficient flow to the game.

The stadium architecture gives a nod to the vibrant art community of Wichita in many respects, most notably with the murals outside the first base gate and in each restroom, the Wichita-themed bike racks, and multiple sculptures around the park. Other less obvious art installations have thoughtfully been added to Equity Bank Park to tie in multiple cultures, as well as Wichita’s history. A model of the Arkansas River snakes its way along the walls of the concourse, unbeknownst to many fans.

Other hidden gems include the use of Islamic Muqarnas as inspiration for the screen wall, lenticular artwork infused into the third base parking lot fence, and in this writer’s opinion, the masterpiece, a stainless mirror image sculpture of the skyline that is attached to the back side of the press box, where fans can see the actual Wichita skyline and it’s model lined up together, with the summer sky and playing field in the background. This view is worth the price of admission alone, and can go unseen unless brought to one's attention.

Neighborhood   3

Located in the historic Delano neighborhood across the Arkansas River from downtown Wichita, Equity Bank Park is part of a resurgent neighborhood. There are numerous new hotels, restaurants, and businesses that appear to have been built within the past few years. Some of the hotels within walking distance of the stadium include WaterWalk Extended Stay by Windham, Home2Suites, Hyatt Regency, and Drury Inn, among others. No matter the desired price range, rest assured you can find accommodations that fall within your comfort zone.

For fans wanting meals or an adult beverage outside the stadium, there are multiple quality options near Equity Bank Park, most notably longtime Wichita staple Doo Dah Diner.

Fans   4

The Wind Surge have a loyal fan base, averaging nearly 4,500 fans per game. This number places them near the top 10 in Double-A average, and this number swells on Firework Fridays and during special promotion nights. The crowd is not only engaged during the game but also during the between-inning fan involvement activities, such as video board camera shots (Simba Cam, Dance Cam, etc.) or cheering for the on-field games. But the most active time for fans may be during the ice cream toss, as everyone would love a frozen treat to enjoy on a Kansas summer night.

Access   5

Located on McLean Boulevard, just off US Route 400, Equity Bank Park is easily accessible. There is plenty of parking with three large, paved lots, as well as limited street parking within minutes of the stadium. There are numerous hotels in the neighborhood surrounding the venue, so walking or riding the Q-Line Trolley are acceptable options as well.

Once inside Equity Bank Park the concourse is wide, so all concessions, seating, and restroom facilities are able to be accessed without traffic flow issues, no matter the size of the crowd.

Return on Investment   5

Ticket prices begin at less than $10, and individual game tickets behind home plate are less than $30, making the cost to attend a game very affordable. Parking in the closest stadium lots is free, except for Vault ticket holders and Lexus drivers, who have free parking options.

Most concessions are reasonably priced as well, ensuring that Wing Surge game attendees get their money's worth at each appearance. This season, in order to increase ROI for fans, Wichita even introduced the Dugout Menu with a small popcorn, hot dog, pretzel bites, or small soda available for $4 or less each; this menu also includes $5 12-ounce beer options.

Extras   4

Artwork in and around the stadium is second to none and worthy of extra recognition.

The backdrop over the outfield wall and the view of downtown Wichita is beautiful, especially as the Midwest sunset commences; this is also worthy of special acknowledgement.

The skyline sculpture located behind the suite level of the stadium (mirroring Wichita’s downtown) is also a sight to behold – it may be one of the most unique yet unheralded ballpark features in minor league baseball.

The friendliness of Wichitans should also be given special recognition. Having visited the venue on two different occasions during separate seasons, employees and fans alike have all been extremely warm and welcoming to their ballpark and city.

The Wind Surge team store is large and has a great selection of items. Their cap selection is comprehensive and includes caps of other Twins affiliates.

Final Thoughts

Equity Bank Park is well worth the time and effort it takes to get to Wichita, Kansas. Whether you are a ballpark collector or a casual baseball fan, Wind Surge games and their stadium are well equipped to create a pleasant experience.

There are many other reasons to visit Wichita, the state’s most populous city, as well. The National Baseball Congress World Series,  a historic amateur baseball tournament with some of the most talented collegiate summer teams in the nation, is hosted at Wichita State University in late July. Other attractions for visitors include the Keeper of the Plains, Sedgwick County Zoo, Exploration Place, multiple museums, and the original Pizza Hut location in the US (now a museum on the Wichita State campus).

Whether you plan to make Equity Bank Park one of many ballparks you visit on a road trip, or plan to stay for several days, the Wichita Wind Surge will provide an enjoyable experience.