Parkview Field has come a long way since it was approved by the Fort Wayne City Council in 2007. What started as a polarizing project—a mixed bag of community support and skepticism—is now credited by many as a catalyst for Downtown Fort Wayne’s boom in development. In 2009, the new TinCaps stadium opened its doors to the public with a sold out game, and it has been thriving every season since—a real-life testament to the famous Field of Dreams quote, “If you build it, they will come.”
People came, partly because they love baseball, but also because Parkview Field is so much more than just a ballpark. It’s a space for the community to come together and take pride in their city. Avid baseball fans and sports-agnostics alike will find something to look forward to in this state-of-the-art stadium. Spectating, shopping, socializing—there’s something for everyone, whether you’re connecting with family, catching up with friends, or enjoying the game with your co-workers.
That’s part of the secret to the project’s success: the space was designed to entertain everyone, regardless of their interest in baseball. There are recreation grounds for the kiddos, food vendors everywhere you look, and endless cold drinks, for those seeking refuge from Indiana’s thick, hot summer days. The structure is a marvelous playground for all. It’s no wonder that Parkview Field has won multiple national awards.
And those awards have been hard-won. The stadium has made its way through multiple stages to be the field of dreams it is today. From the dream of city visionaries, to a source of community controversy, to the beloved staple it is today. Now the stadium is entering a new phase of life: a remodel.
Parkview Field’s $1.2M remodel project includes some aesthetic upgrades, but more importantly, will bring the venue into compliance with recently updated Major League Baseball specifications. And of course, they’re bringing out the absolute best to implement their improvements.
Back in November, contractors began rolling in specialty sod grown by Central Wisconsin Sod, a subsidiary of Heath Farms and producer of the same grass found in Chicago’s legendary Wrigley Field. In addition to finding some of the best-grown sod in the Midwest, planners brought in a field-renovation contractor, Mid-America Sports Construction. Their resume includes working with universities in the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12.
With renovation heavy-hitters like these, Parkview Field’s new look is bound to leave us awestruck. Façade and sod upgrades aside, the renovation also includes a new drainage system on the field that will keep things dry during rainy seasons. So the project covers both beauty and functionality.
You won’t want to miss this upcoming TinCaps season, where you can see Parkview Field’s makeover for yourself! And after last year’s successful season and advancement to the Midwest League Playoffs, we’re all eagerly awaiting the TinCaps return. The 2024 season begins on April 5, and Opening Day at Parkview Field is April 9. Season ticket plans and group tickets are on sale now.
Find out more about the upcoming season or visit the Parkview Field website to learn more about the stadium that we’ve all grown so proud of.
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.