Slugging by the River

The "front" entrance to Louisville Slugger Field, Aug-2001.

Looking in from the concourse atop the left-field bleachers.

This straightaway shot affords a view of the bridge carrying I-65 over the Ohio River.

Chronological Tour: Stop 207

• Location: Third and Main streets, Louisville, Ky. (map it using Google Maps)
• Opened: 2000
• Home team: Louisville RiverBats (2000-2001), Louisville Bats (2002-present), International League
• Capacity: 13,200

Rating: 4 baseballs

With no promotion scheduled, the park was eerily empty for the 7:05 game, reminding me of some Scranton crowds that are inflated by about 5000 because of season tickets not used. This is a nicer park than Scranton’s, though (even with the 2013 renovation in Moosic). It looks a lot like it belongs in its factory neighborhood, and it has a decent atmosphere. It could have a better view, though, especially being right on the Ohio River. There are a couple of river bridges that can be seen, but they’re not lighted at night and so they nearly disappear after dusk.

One nice touch at this ballpark, at least on my 2023 visit, is that a live organist plays frequently throughout the game.

The Louisville Slugger Museum is about ten blocks west of the field, on Main Street. I didn’t have a chance to visit.