One of the MLB’s strategies for growing the game is to play in unique venues. This trend became popular after a professional game in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the site of the Little League World Series. The MLB saw this as an opportunity to partner with a popular baseball tournament; it became a simple way to garner more interest and attention toward baseball. The league continued this strategy by hosting games in Omaha, Rickwood Field in Alabama, and the site of the “Field of Dreams” set.
The MLB has played in famous stadiums across the sports world, not just places with connections to baseball. Recently, they have been playing games in London Stadium to increase baseball’s popularity internationally. They also announced a game at Bristol Motor Speedway, the first major league game on a racetrack.
Regular-season games at unique venues seem to be a big part of MLB’s future. Here are a few venues that should be considered for future games.
Doubleday Field, Cooperstown, New York
Although the story surrounding Abner Doubleday’s invention of baseball in Cooperstown, New York is just a myth, the small village is still a significant place for any baseball fan. It is the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s a must-go for any baseball fan because it’s not just the museum showing passion for the game but the whole village. Every store or restaurant is connected to baseball in some way. The love of baseball flows through the city.
Given how important baseball is to Cooperstown, it’s surprising that it has yet to be considered, especially since the MLB used to hold exhibition games there. So the field, although small, is MLB-ready.
An MLB game would be perfect to pair with the Hall of Fame weekend. Playing a game while the new class is inducted is a perfect way to celebrate. It’d be a tribute to the past while keeping an eye on the future.
Growden Memorial Field, Fairbanks, Alaska
Many wouldn’t consider Alaska for a baseball game. The general idea is that Alaska’s a cold place with wide open spaces. Plus, many TV shows flaunt Alaskans living off the grid or going crab fishing, not a place for sports. However, Alaska has a rich baseball history, especially in Fairbanks, where the Midnight Game has been played since the 1960s.
The Midnight Game is played in Fairbanks every year on the summer solstice when there are nearly 24 hours of sunshine. So they start the game at 10:30 p.m. (local time), which doesn’t end until 1 the next morning.
They couldn’t start an MLB game at 10:30 Alaskan time. But the MLB could find a compromise to make it resemble the Midnight Game while putting it at a reasonable time for the rest of the country.
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous sporting events in the U.S. Despite horseracing’s niche following, the entire nation gathers every year to watch the Derby. Because of its popularity, the racetrack Churchill Downs has become one of the most famous venues in the country. However, the only events that have been there are horseraces.
It would take some creative thinking and distinct planning, but it would be a once-in-a-lifetime event. America’s pastime being played in one of the nation’s most historic venues would be a slam dunk for any marketing team. An event of this stature would draw many viewers, even if only for the curiosity over its unique logistics.
Brian Germinaro is one of Belly Up’s sports writers. You can follow him on Twitter/X for more stories and Belly Up Sports for more sports coverage. Feature image credit: Ronald Martinez
