Trustmark Park – Mississippi Mud Monsters

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57

Trustmark Park 1 Braves Way Pearl, MS 39208

Mississippi Mud Monsters website

Trustmark Park website

Year Opened: 2005

Capacity: 8,480

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Trustmark Park Just Got Muddy

In early 2024, it was announced that the Mississippi Braves would be leaving Trustmark Park and relocating to Columbus, GA, ending a two-decade run of Double-A baseball in the Jackson metro area. The announcement left a gaping hole in the hearts of baseball fans in Central Mississippi, and a void at Trustmark Park.

Since its opening in 2005, Trustmark Park has given Mississippians a front-row seat to the rise of the Atlanta Braves’ brightest stars. Over the past two decades, fans in small-town Pearl got to watch the likes of Brian McCann, Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider hone their craft on their journey to the show. The stadium became a proving ground for the South’s Baseball Team, the Atlanta Braves, and a cherished part of Mississippi’s sports identity.

So, when the Braves announced their departure in 2024, it delivered a gut punch to the Jackson area’s sports scene, a region all too familiar with losing professional baseball. Before the Mississippi Braves there were the Jackson Mets (1975–1990), who packed up for Binghamton, and the Jackson Generals (1991–1999), who moved to Corpus Christi. Each exit left a void, but none of those losses felt quite as personal as losing the M-Braves.

But out of the mud on the banks of the Pearl River, something new rose up to take the field. The Mississippi Mud Monsters of the independent Frontier League began play at Trustmark Park in May 2025, stepping in to fill the void left by the departing Mississippi Braves. The new team’s name pays tribute to the legendary catfish that lurk in the rivers and lakes of Central Mississippi, a region that proudly calls itself the “Catfish Capital of the World.” Now, an exciting new brand of baseball has taken over, and Trustmark Park didn’t just fade into silence – it just got a little muddier.

Food and Beverage   3

Trustmark Park features four full-service concession stands on its open-air concourse, meaning you never miss one pitch of the action. Ghoul’s Grill (1st base side) and Frank N’ Stein’s (behind home plate) feature the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, and nachos with prices all below $10. Creature’s Kitchen, also behind the home plate area, features catfish and shrimp po’ boys for $8, or you can get a basket of catfish and shrimp for $9. Creature’s Kitchen also features a lighted picnic area with tables and umbrellas for you to sit down and eat your grub.

Alternatively, on the first base side you can get Huey Magoo’s famous hand breaded chicken tenders – Huey Magoo’s is a new chicken joint started by some Ole Miss students, who call it the Filet Mignon of Chicken; it is also the official chicken of the Mud Monsters.  You can get their tasty tenders and fries on the first base side, but just make sure you dip them in Magoo’s Sauce.

There is also the State Farm Bureau Grill, a full-service restaurant in right field, and only open for select games. Pepsi is the official soft drink provider of the Mud Monsters, while for alcohol selections there are plenty including premium and domestic beer. Nearby Southern Prohibition Brewery in Hattiesburg and Lazy Magnolia provide their local beers, offering plenty of their specialties and IPAs. Or if you need more choices, Frank N’ Stein’s has the largest selection of alcohol and beers on draft.

One other thing to take note of is the Mud Monsters sell their own brand of hot sauce called “The Drip”. You can purchase a bottle of this hot sauce in the team store – with its Mud Monsters-themed bottle it makes a great collector’s item.

Atmosphere   4

From the moment you arrive at Trustmark Park – now proudly known as “The Swamp” – it’s clear the stadium has fully embraced its new identity. Gone are the tributes to Braves Country; in their place, bold Mud Monsters signage welcomes fans at every turn. The iconic Ronald Acuna mural at the main entrance has been replaced with a massive, eye-catching giant catfish, setting the tone before you even step inside. Throughout the stadium a swamp-inspired theme takes over, with green and black accents painted across the railings, wall pads, concession stands, and even the bathrooms, transforming the ballpark into a true home for Mississippi’s newest team.

It’s remarkable to think Trustmark Park is just over 20 years old, considering how well it has aged. From the moment you step inside it’s evident the ballpark was ahead of its time; built during the early wave of modern stadiums that prioritized open-air, wraparound concourses and fan-friendly layouts. The park features two main entrances, one behind home plate and the primary entrance in right field. As you enter through the right field gates, you're immediately greeted by a spacious team store and a lively Fun Zone packed with inflatables.

That concourse stretches from right field to left, offering uninterrupted views of the field from nearly every angle – whether you're grabbing a snack, browsing the team store, or watching your kids at the Fun Zone. With a seating capacity of 8,480, Trustmark Park is the second-largest ballpark in the Frontier League, yet its design ensures an intimate feel. All seats sit below ground level, tucked beneath the concourse, giving fans clear sightlines and ensuring there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house.

One of Trustmark Park’s most fan-friendly features is its thoughtful design for comfort in the Mississippi heat. Nearly half the seats in the lower bowl benefit from the shade of the press box and the 24 luxury suites above, offering relief from the sun and shelter from the frequent summer downpours. The concourse is fully covered as well, providing protection from the elements throughout the stadium, with the lone exception being the open-air picnic area behind home plate.

With dimensions of 335 to left, 402 to center, and 332 to right, Trustmark Park isn’t exactly a hitter’s paradise. The ball tends to stay true with minimal wind interference, making home runs hard to come by. Down the left field line, a shaded picnic pavilion offers table seating with umbrellas and a great view of the enclosed bullpen. Towering above center field is a massive HD videoboard measuring 28 feet by 68 feet – officially the largest in the Frontier League – delivering crystal-clear replays and crowd prompts, while beyond the outfield the backdrop is mostly residential, with a scattering of homes and a quiet road lining the edge of the facility’s view.

Neighborhood   3

Located just three miles east of downtown Jackson, Trustmark Park sits in the Jackson suburb of Pearl, right off Interstate 20. When it opened in 2005 the ballpark was the center of attention in what was once a wooded, undeveloped stretch of land. In the years since, however, the venue helped transform the area into a lively commercial hub, with shops, restaurants, and retail destinations cropping up around it.

Directly across the street fans can explore The Outlets of Mississippi, the state’s largest outdoor shopping center featuring over 75 stores. From athletic gear at Nike and Under Armour to fashion finds at Forever 21, Coach, and Marshall’s, there’s something for everyone just steps from the stadium gates. In addition, next door is Bass Pro Shops and a Sam’s Club, while across the street sits Cavender’s Western Wear. And if you can't get enough Huey Magoo's inside Trustmark Park, there is another of their locations just across the street.

You can also take the service road from Trustmark Park over to Exit 48 at Bierdeman Road; while most of the options there are familiar chains like Cracker Barrel and Waffle House, Frisco Deli is a family-run spot known for its hearty sandwiches and laid-back atmosphere.

For nearby nightlife, your best option in the neighborhood is Alumni House, a relaxed bar inside the Holiday Inn next to Bass Pro Shop, great for unwinding with a drink after the game. Just steps away, Bass Pro itself offers a uniquely themed restaurant and bar, complete with towering fish tanks and large aquariums. There are also plenty of hotels lining the I-20 corridor in Pearl, so you don't have to venture into Jackson to stay overnight.

For a livelier nightlife scene, your best bet is to head about 15 minutes west to Jackson’s Fondren District, known for its eclectic bars, live music, and artsy vibe. Also, while you're in the area don’t miss the chance to explore some of Jackson’s historic landmarks, including the old and new Capitol buildings and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

And of course, if you're heading to a Mud Monsters game, make time to sample some of the best catfish Central Mississippi has to offer. Around the Jackson area local favorites include Harvey’s Fish House in nearby Brandon, Jerry’s Catfish House in Florence (you’ll recognize it by the giant igloo-shaped dome), and Cock of the Walk up at the Reservoir, known for its riverfront views. Or, do you want a true hidden gem? If so head about 30 minutes south to Mendenhall and track down Eason’s Catfish House, a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall spot – just remember the deeper into the woods you get, and the more run-down and rustic it looks, the better the catfish they serve.

Fans   4

Despite attendance slipping in the final years of the Mississippi Braves’ run in the Southern League, a loyal core of diehard fans still showed up night after night. Baseball has always had a strong pulse in Mississippi, and the departure of the M-Braves left a hole many thought couldn’t be filled. But then came the Mississippi Mud Monsters; in their debut season the Monsters have taken the field – and the community – by storm, drawing about 2,000 fans per game and proving there’s still plenty of life at Trustmark Park.

Freed from the constraints of being a Braves affiliate, the Mud Monsters have carved out a unique identity of their own. With more creative freedom than a typical minor league club, they’ve embraced quirky, fan-friendly promotions that keep things fresh every night. Their mascot – a giant, lovable catfish named simply “Fish” – has become a fan favorite, constantly roaming the concourse and stirring up excitement during on-field contests. Also, in true off-the-wall Mud Monsters fashion, there’s even a pickleball court set up on the concourse, and fans can grab custom paddles from the team store to squeeze in a quick match while catching the game.

The Mud Monsters have fully embraced their fishy identity, with plenty of catfish-themed contests between innings and throughout the concourse. Nearly every Saturday home game features a giveaway; at the most recent one fans received fishing bucket hats, personally handed out by a few of the players themselves. It’s also not uncommon to see players mingling with fans on the concourse, signing autographs, snapping photos, or even grabbing a bite at the concession stand. It all adds up to a charming, small-town baseball atmosphere, something that was often missing during the M-Braves era. So far, the Mud Monsters have been a home run with fans, and there’s hope this new independent team becomes a long-term staple in the Magnolia State.

Access   4

Getting to Trustmark Park is a breeze – if you’re coming from out of town, your best routes are I-20 or Highway 49. The ballpark sits just off the I-20/Highway 49 interchange at Exit 48 in Pearl. As you're driving along the interstate, you’ll spot the stadium nestled next to the giant Bass Pro Shop and the Outlets of Mississippi, right before the I-55 exit into Jackson.

Once you take Exit 48, head north on Highway 49 for about half a mile. Then, hop onto Highway 80 and take the first right onto Bass Pro Drive. From there, Trustmark Park will come into view just ahead.

Parking is very simple; the ballpark is surrounded by a massive lot with plenty of space, so finding a spot is rarely an issue. Parking is free here as well, which is always a plus.

Once inside, the layout is spacious and fan-friendly. The wide concourse allows for easy movement without crowding, and there are drink rails and standing room areas throughout where you won’t block anyone’s view of the field. Even with a few concession stands closed during certain games, lines tend to move quickly and the staff keeps everything clean and organized.

Return on Investment   3

Tickets are easy to come by here, as Mud Monsters games rarely ever sell out. Sigle game tickets can be found for as low as $12 to sit on the outfield berm and in the general admission section, or up to $16 to sit in chairback seats behind home plate, extending to the first and third base dugouts. There are also 3 pavilions available to rent – the first and third base party decks and the picnic pavilion down in left field.

I consider this a good return on investment – when the M-Braves left we didn’t know if baseball would continue at Trustmark Park, so just being able to still see baseball here is a plus. The small town feel and fun, fish-themed atmosphere is definitely something that wasn’t evident before.

Extras   4

Being able to play pickleball during Mud Monsters games is a plus; as far as I know this is the only minor league ballpark in the country with a pickleball court on the concourse.

Also, if you’re looking to explore a slice of Jackson’s professional baseball past, a visit to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame – just five miles up the road – is well worth your time. It’s a must-stop for any sports fan and makes for a perfect pregame detour before heading to a Mud Monsters game. Inside you’ll find a dedicated exhibit on minor league baseball in Mississippi, featuring historic items like the original front office desk and chair used by J. Con Maloney, longtime owner of the Jackson Mets from 1975 to 1990. The museum also showcases vintage jerseys, trophies, and memorabilia from teams like the J. Mets, Jackson Generals, Mississippi Braves, and other clubs that have called the Jackson area home.

One of the most anticipated events at Trustmark Park is the annual Governor’s Game between Ole Miss and Mississippi State, a rivalry clash that always draws a packed house. Southern Miss also typically makes an appearance each season, and tickets for any of these marquee college games tend to sell fast, as well as at a premium.

In addition to hosting high-profile showdowns, Trustmark Park has been the home field for the Belhaven Blazers baseball program since 2022; Belhaven University, a small NCAA Division III school, is located in downtown Jackson.

And of course, another plus for all the past Braves players who have come through Trustmark Park on the way to the show. Over the years, fans in Pearl got a front-row seat to watch the rise of Braves greats like Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider, and the Mud Monsters are definitely continuing the legacy left behind by the M-Braves.