Athletic Park
Wausau, WI
Review by Mike
Athletic Park is the home of the Wausau Woodchucks of the summer collegiate Northwoods League. This field has been home to baseball in Wausau since 1936, including 36 seasons of Single-A Midwest League play. In 2013 the original stadium was demolished and a new ballpark rose in its place, opening in 2014.
The new Athletic Park has an interesting design, with the seating raised so that the first row is about 12 feet above field level, the dugouts set underneath. This results in no actual “Field Level” seating, which might be a good thing as those front row seats often don’t have a great angle on the action and are often blocked by coaches and on-deck hitters.
There is a main structure behind home plate with fixed-back seating, a press box and one suite on top of that. The left field line features a long grandstand that extends well into the outfield, with fixed seating on the infield and bleachers in the outfield. The right field line is dominated by a large, covered party deck with a few rows of tiered seating and then a picnic area and beer garden the runs down the line.
An eye-catching feature is the two-story pavilion in the left field corner. This handsome structure looks like it is used for events and parties, with a nice, covered tri-roof and a good view down the line. There appear to be catering facilities and a row of seating for those looking to have some baseball with their champagne and canapes.
The left field bullpen is literally a pen; a chain-link rectangle set in front of a stone wall that I hope is original to the old Athletic Park. This bullpen juts into the field and the top of the fence protecting the pitchers is the home run fence, just 304 feet from home plate. Relievers need to stay sharp while sharpening up.
The new Athletic Park is an interesting collection of design features that don’t exactly make for a cohesive look, but provide plenty of options for fans looking for sun, shade, socializing or perhaps a wedding at the ballpark? It’s the right size for the Northwoods League and very compact and intimate. Thanks to the friendly folks in Wausau, both front office and groundskeepers, for welcoming me on an off-day for a look around.
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2023
223
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