Hits

• There are numerous different seating areas, especially for those who don’t mind splurging a bit. Besides the normal luxury suites, there are Cabana suites located along each baseline, Dugout suites behind home plate, and Diamond tables situated at field level under the main grandstand.
• For the common fan, there are picnic areas, outfield berms, a pavilion, and rail seating.
• Fans can completely circle the field along a walkway that is directly adjacent to the outfield fence. This allows for some unique viewing angles.
• There is large kids area located in the right field corner. It features a rather elaborate playground area as well as a whiffle ball field.
• Sightlines are excellent from the main grandstand, which is nicely elevated as well as having a steep pitch.
• The bullpens are only separated from the field by a small chain-link fence allowing fans close-up access to all the sight sounds of the relief pitchers. Pretty cool!
• The exterior is adorned with classic baseball photos of some of the greats of the game like Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Ty Cobb. A very neat touch.
• A free program/yearbook is available (though there are no scorecards to be found).
• No matter what teams are playing there on a given night, all three mascots (Ribbi, Lancelot, and Buzz) are on hand. They are very accessible and friendly.
• The location of the ballpark is right off of the Utica downtown area. This allows fans to go to a restaurant before the game and then simply walk to the game.

Misses

• While parking is plentiful and free, the lots are a bit of a hike from the ballpark. This is partly because a river separates the ballpark from the parking areas, which are located beyond the outfield.
• Strangely, there are no permanent food stands and no real team store. Not sure if this was a design flaw or if this was the intent. There is a trailer that souvenirs are sold out of.
• There are no restrooms behind the main seating bowl. Instead, fans must go down to the main concourse where the only restrooms in the ballpark are located.
• A restaurant / bar is located directly behind home plate, though has no view of the field. Surprisingly the place seemed mobbed, so I guess a lot of people don’t mind paying for a ticket to not even watch the game!
• Prices are a bit high for this level of play. Though I suppose a brand new ballpark like this does somewhat justify the prices. While a berm seat is only $6, the cheapest real seat at Jimmy John’s Field will run you $12.

Eats

• Food is only available at free-standing carts located along the concourse. Lines seemed to be quite long as these carts are simply not equipped to handle large crowds.
• The cheapest hot dog here is $4. Making it a “combo” (with a drink and chips) adds another $5 to the price. Again, a bit pricey for this level of professional baseball.
• The Big Bone BBQ stand on the third base side offers up BBQ Chicken sandwiches ($5), turkey legs ($7), and pulled pork sandwiches ($6.50).
• The Curveball Kitchen stand has hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, and polish sausages available.
• Other food items available include cheesesteaks, nachos, popcorn, and ice cream. Strangely, no Jimmy John’s sandwiches can be found anywhere.