Victory Field
Indianapolis, IN
Review by Mike
Victory Field is the home of the Indianapolis Indians of the International League. As ballpark fans, we often lament the loss of classic old venues like Bush Stadium in Indianapolis, home of the Indians for 65 years, but it is when they are replaced by a gem like Victory Field, it is easy to understand why it happens.
This ballpark is big league in every way, from the downtown location, double-deck design, excellent food choices and spectacular views. Beyond the right field corner is an impressive power station with soaring smokestacks and just beyond is the brick and glass mass of LucasOil Field, home of the Colts of the NFL. It’s a short walk to Monument Circle and the State Capitol.
Inside the park is a wide, 360-degree concourse teeming with food choices and excellent views from every vantage point. There are two full decks of seating, extending well down each foul line and a grass berm in the outfield. A “Victory Bell” stands beyond the left field fence waiting to be sounded at the end of Indians victories.
The club area on the 2nd level behind home plate is not the typical closed-off bar with a few rows of seating in front, but an open-air space with full view of the field. Terraces of tables and chairs descend towards the field, allowing for a full and spectacular view of the entire tableau.
The main entrance is in centerfield, which is different, with the area behind home plate accessible only to VIP parking. As I was lucky enough to have a VIP parking pass (thank you Indians), I am not sure where most of the people park, as there are no obvious parking lots immediately adjacent to the ballpark.
The stadium was packed on the night of my visit and the crowd was loud and enthusiastic. The stadium holds 14,000 and, if Indianapolis were ever to secure a major league club, it is easy to see how Victory Field could be expanded into a cozy MLB stadium. For now, it is simply one of the finest AAA ballparks I have ever been to.
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2023
231
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Where They Played Before
Bush Stadium
The Indians former home, Bush Stadium, was not razed upon the departure of the ballclub, but converted into loft apartments. Much of the history has been lovingly preserved; the exterior ivy-covered brick walls, the baseball diamond, the scoreboard, the grand entrance with two ticket windows and original seats that line the walkway behind “home plate”. The light towers still rise up from the top of the main building bearing testament to the history of the location. This is a great alternative to simply tearing down and old structure whose time is passed, but remains beloved by the community. Well done.
Where They Played Before
Washington Park
Before there was Bush Stadium, there was Washington Park, home to the Indians from 1905 to 1931. All trace of the ballpark is long gone, but an historical mark commemorates the site, which is now home to the Indianapolis Zoo.
