| Elmira was home to a New
York - Penn League team for many years before affiliating with the Northeast
League in 1995 (which turned into the Northern League in 1999 and back to the
Northeast League in '03 and then to the Can-Am League in '05). Dunn Field is a classic old ballpark featuring a nice covered
grandstand that contains all individual seats. The box seats and general
admission are folding chairs while the reserved sections are plastic bucket
seats. The view beyond the outfield fence features mountains, trees, and
a river, making for a scenic location for the park. The main concourse
runs underneath the grandstand and features two concession stands and a
souvenir stand. Also featured in the concourse are vintage pictures of
past Elmira baseball teams. A picnic area along with an additional concession
stand (featuring grilled items) is located down the left field line. Just
past the first base grandstand is the play area for kids. It features the
usual speed pitch game as well as a small carousel. While most of the fans
are here to see the baseball game, the team still feels the need to do
all the typical between inning promotions and play numerous sound effects.
Despite this, the atmosphere remains pretty laid back, and makes for an
enjoyable place to see a game. Dunn Field is one of the few old time ballparks
still in use in the northeast and is well worth a visit for any baseball
fan. The Pios folded after the '05 season meaning Dunn Field was without professional baseball for the first time in many years. The prospects for getting another professional team do not look good, though a collegiate league team has played here since 2006.
|
