Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Simmons Field
7817 Sheridan Rd
Kenosha, WI 53143
Year Opened: 1930
Capacity: 3,218
The Kings of Kenosha
Simmons Field was originally constructed in 1920 when the Simmons Mattress Company built the ballpark. It would burn down by the end of the decade, but a new grandstand was constructed in 1930.
It was the home to clubs such as the Kenosha Comets of the All-American Professional Baseball League (1948-1951), the Kenosha Twins of the Midwest League (1984-92), the Kenosha Kroakers of the Northwoods League (1993-1999) and the Kenosha Mammoths of the Frontier League (2003).
The ballpark underwent a major renovation in 2014, and minor updates have been made since then. The renovations included new seating (3,218 capacity), multi-level suites, field-level tabletop full-service seats, and the inclusion of kids and party areas to get the ballpark ready for the Kenosha Kingfish in the Northwoods League.
Before the 2024 season, the Kingfish installed field turf, LED lighting for the field, a new LED scoreboard, and a digital scoring system. An upgraded netting system was installed behind the home plate which extends down the baselines, making it much easier to see through. Additionally, the Kingfish constructed new bullpens outside the field of play as well as resurfacing key group areas throughout the stadium.
The Bambino, a 43-foot-long by 13-foot-wide former commercial fishing boat, was installed in the left field corner and is used as a portion of the fence. It was refurbished and is used for private parties of up to 25 people, complete with concessions, drink rails, and stool seating during all home games.
Simmons Field The Bambino, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey
Some interesting tidbits about the park is the original grandstand of the stadium still exists, sort of. The “twin suites” were built using wood and seat parts from the third base seating area from the Simmons Field from 1984 -2013. Blue seats in these suites were the original box seats from the grandstand and date back to 1930. In addition, the rest of the stadium seating was replaced with recycled seats from Baltimore’s Camden Yards.
Food & Beverage 5
There are five (5) food stands/kiosks in the park. The lines do get long and don’t move very fast. However, the food at the Kingfish is really good.
There are the usual walking tacos ($7.50), nachos ($5.50), tacos ($10) and elotes ($6.50). Hamburgers ($6), cheeseburgers (6.50), brats ($6.50), grilled chicken sandwiches ($7.25), pizza ($5), Philly cheesesteak ($7.50), Italian sausage ($6.50), cranberry-walnut chicken salad sandwiches ($7.50) and mac & cheese ($5) are a few of the other offerings. The Kingfish have a couple of choices for vegetarians too with the Beyond Burger and plant-based chicken tenders ($9.75).
They have great sides such as ½ lb of fried cheese curds ($8), sweet potato fries ($6), and onion rings ($6). Popcorn is $3.50, peanuts $5 and chips are $3. In addition, they do have ice cream cones ($3.75-$6) depending on the size and cone. Ice cream sandwiches are $4-$5. An “Elvis” sundae (in a helmet) costs $7.50. Having been to the ballpark numerous times, there isn’t a bad food item.
The beer selection is outstanding. Of course, being in Wisconsin, there is Miller, Coors, and Pabst ($6). Imports and Craft beer are $7; they have Modelo, Corona, Leinenkugel, and Blue Moon, along with a local microbrew, Kingfish Beer. Seltzers are available with White Claw and Vizzy ($7). Topo Chico, Cayman Jack, Twisted teas, hard lemonade, and Arnold Palmer Spiked tea are available for $6. If you are lucky and the designated hitter from the opposing team strikes out, beverages are 2 for 1 for the rest of the inning.
Their soda selection is Pepsi products. Bottled sodas are $5 and water / Zoa energy drinks are $4.
Atmosphere 4
The official mascot is King Elvis who is a fish dressed in a white jumpsuit. He is found throughout the stadium and on the field; he delivers the baseballs before the game on an ATV.
The official team store is decent-sized for the old stadium and houses a grand selection of swag from jerseys, shirts, and caps. Best of all, they’re all reasonably priced.
The history of the park is on the outside of the stands on the first base side. They have blown up old newspaper articles, pictures, and events that took place at Simmons Field throughout its history.
Simmons Field History, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey
The staff is very friendly, welcoming, and helpful. If you have any questions, they will answer them and if they don’t know, they will find out for you. There are also postgame fireworks every Saturday night.
The concourse area of the first baseline is geared toward kids. There is a small play area that includes a bouncy house and other games for kids.
Neighborhood 3
The ballpark is located in a residential area with some commercial retail areas; there is a shopping center adjacent to the ballpark.
For food, there is just about every chain restaurant down Route 50. However, there are many local institutions to eat at including the famous Brat Stop, located off of I-94 and Route 50 which has a great prime rib sandwich, beer cheese soup, and all kinds of cheese. Speaking of cheese, the Mars Cheese Castle is about 20 minutes from the ballpark. They have the biggest selection of cheese in the state.
About 10 minutes from the stadium is Mason’s Eatery & Pub (7000 74th Place Kenosha) which has a good selection of craft beers and food that are very good and reasonably priced. The Spot Drive-In (2117 – 75th Street) is a local fast-food restaurant about 5 minutes from the ballpark that has been in business since 1945. It has hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, steak sandwiches, chicken/fish sandwiches etc. In addition, there are spicy bread green beans, and breaded pickles.
If you want to do something else before the game you can go to the Lemon Tree Gallery and Art located about 2 miles north of the stadium. You could look at and/or buy art from local artists.
Fans 4
The Kingfish have averaged about 2,000 to 2,500 a game since their inception. The fans have a good time, have an interest in the game, and enjoy the in-between inning activities such as t-shirt tosses, and toilet races (the Kingfish put 2 toilets on wheels and one person sits on the toilet and someone else pushes it. (It's kinda humorous.) At the games, you’ll find some of the parents of the players, however, I find that the Kingfish games are a place to hang out and spend some quality time with your family or significant other.
Access 4
Getting to the park is very easy. It is located about 15 minutes from I-94 on State Route 50. There is plenty of free parking in the area and the neighborhood. In addition, tailgating is allowed in stadium lots.
Small, hand-held clutches (4.5" x 6.5") are better options than large purses and are your best bet for an acceptable bag. Clear bags are better than opaque backpacks. Medical bags or kits are usually accepted at venues like Simmons Field but may be subject to inspection.
Inside the ballpark, the stadium is very accommodating and there are plenty of spots to watch the game from. There is a large social area behind the main grandstand of the stadium.
Return on Investment 4
You get a lot of bang for your buck with your tickets, which are $8, $12 (Dugout Box Reserved Seat), and $14 (Stadium Box Reserved Seat). The $8 tickets are in the Festival Foods Backyard Lawn area, which is down the right field line. Many times during the season, the Kingfish have ticket deals where you buy a ticket and you get a hot dog and a hat or t-shirt depending on the day's promotion.
In addition, there’s the Miller Lite Fish Bowl which is a party area down the left field line and in left center, which features all-you-care-to-consume burgers, brats, hot dogs, walnut chicken sandwiches, coleslaw, and chips, beer, soda and water for $37.
Four-Top Tables are $50 and Suite tickets are $45. There are the special party and group areas that cost $27 (First Base Club) and $45 (the Bambino Party Boat). Both areas come with hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, appetizers, and beverages.
Extras 3
The Kingfish get an extra point for the history of the stadium and the use of parts from the former stadium in the current renovations.
The players don’t have their locker rooms attached to the dugout so you will see players going out to the concourse before and during the game to use the bathroom, which I find funny.
The Kingfish get another point for their creativity with their game and/or between-inning promotions, i.e. the toilet bowl race. The Kingfish put 2 toilets on wheels and one person sits on the toilet and someone else pushes it. Kinda humorous.
Simmons Field Toilet Bowl Race, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey
Final Thoughts
The Kenosha Kingfish have regenerated life back into the old ballpark. The recent renovations greatly improve the ballpark. According to some fans, there are more renovations planned for the upcoming off-season. This ballpark is a place one should visit. There is history and fun all over the park. Simmons Field is one of my favorite parks on any level that I have been to.