Sargent's Stadium at the Point - Johnstown Mill Rats

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86

Sargent's Stadium at the Point 100 Johns Street Johnstown, PA 15901

Johnstown Mill Rats website Sargent's Stadium at the Point website

Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 7,500

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Mill Rats Run Rampant at The Point

The Johnstown Mill Rats began operations in 2021 as members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. They play out of Sargent’s Stadium at the Point, which has been in operation since 1926 and underwent an $8 million renovation between 2005 and 2006.

The original stadium opened as Point Stadium because of its location at the confluence of the Little Conemaugh, Stoneycreek, and Conemaugh rivers. It had a capacity of 17,000, but that was soon lowered to 10,000. Then, when the renovations were completed in 2006, the capacity was reduced to 7,500.

The stadium’s diamond has a southeastern alignment; most features have an east-northeast alignment. There are also gridiron markings in right field, since the stadium hosts high school football in the fall. A giant net is in place in left field to keep balls in play and prevent them from crashing down onto the neighboring street.

The Mill Rats name was chosen as a nod to the once-thriving steel and coal industry in Johnstown. At one time, it was home to Bethlehem Steel and the US Steel plants. To match that vintage look, gold and brown were chosen as the team colors. They have made the playoffs three times in team history.

Food & Beverage 4

There are two concession stands at the ballpark: 1st base and home plate. The first base area is larger and busier, featuring everything from perogies to mac and cheese. However, fans can enjoy hot dogs, machos, pretzels, chicken strips and fries, hamburgers, Italian sausage, and walking tacos.  

There are sweet treats that include funnel cake fries, bomb pops, candy, and ice cream. A $10 souvenir cup is available, and it includes three free refills during the game. IC Light, IC Light Mango, Bud Light, and Yuengling are served in cans. Happy Dad Hard Seltzers are available in three varieties.

There is quite a variety of food and beverages at the stadium, and many of the items appeared to be homemade, including the chili for the loaded fries and the fries that are somewhat wavy like a potato chip.

Atmosphere 4

The stadium’s size and features do not detract from the atmosphere at the game. Fans can expect a small-town family vibe during a Mill Rats game where the prices are affordable, kids run around the concourse, a mascot gives high-fives, and natural surroundings add to the charm of the stadium.

The main entrance is on the right field portion, and kids toss and throw the ball around to one another in the large plaza area just inside the building. They bounce balls off the giant cement wall that acts as part of the road, and murals of Babe Ruth and past teams are etched on it. A small outfield grandstand is also available for overflow crowds.

The main grandstand behind home plate features reserve chairback seating. The bleacher seating juts down the right field line and also serves as prime viewing for high school football games in the fall. Just above the right field corner is a small bridge that allows fans a pleasant view of the playing field from up above.

There is a small videoboard in right-centerfield and another scoreboard underneath the 60-foot wall and screen combination. The wall serves the purpose of keeping fly balls in play and preventing them from breaking windows on business buildings on Johns Street. The playing surface is made of synthetic material and parts above the concourse level, where certain parts of the concourse allow fans a slightly obstructed view.

Younger fans can be seen on the entrance ramp behind the home dugout, where many attempt to grab an autograph from a Rats player. Milton, the mascot, can also be seen handing out handshakes and hugs, while members of the staff dance on the dugout during certain parts of the game. In between innings gimmicks include races, pizza tosses, and dance competitions.

Neighborhood 3

Sargent’s Stadium is in downtown Johnstown and across the street from Fetz’s Sports Pub, a popular spot before and after the game. The small tavern has room for fans to grab a plate of wings or a beer, or partake in karaoke on Wednesdays. A few more neighborhood places include Stone Bridge Brewing Taproom, Game Plan on Market, and Scott's by Dam. Coney Island Lunch has been around since 1916, ten years before the ballpark opened.

The Johnstown Incline Plane is a 19th-century funicular & lookout featuring scenic panoramas, a visitor center, and an eatery. It is within walking distance of the stadium and perfect for views of it during the day.

Fans 4

There was a large crowd on hand during our visit to the stadium. It was Little League Night, and the kiddos were cheering passionately for the Mill Rats. They were waving their shirts around the concourse, yelling aloud and marching up and down the aisles. The rest of the crowd added enough revelry to the night.

Access 4

The stadium is massive, with 7,500 seats that stretch from right to left field. The seating bowl features an inner concourse, and there is an upper level that provides additional room for fans at the game. The only issue with access is driving through the hilly streets of town.

Return on Investment 5

Ticket prices are $5 for general admission and $8 for box seats. Kids under the age of 3 are admitted into the game for free. There is no charge for parking in the nearby lots and on the city streets. Food is also affordable, with $3 hot dogs and $6 beers.

Extras 3

The ballpark earns a point for its unique features, including a small bridge across the left field corner, the 60-foot wall and screen combination, the gridiron markings of the football field, and Yoder Hill and the river behind the first base side.

The ballpark earns a second point for the various murals on the wall, which also act as the street’s bridge. The kids use this area to bounce balls off it and play catch.

The third point is for the field-level view below near the main concession stand. It provides a different type of viewing of the game for patrons.

Final Thoughts

Sargent’s Stadium at the Point is a nod to grand old ballparks of the past. The historic presence can be felt throughout the building, but modern additions provide comfort to the fans. The tickets are among the cheapest in the league, while concession prices are affordable on any budget. Everyone at the game appeared to have fun, and that is probably the best part about a night at a Mill Rats game.

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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com