Provo, UT

Summer brings a series of patriotic-themed holidays–and there’s nothing more American to get you in the spirit than baseball. So on June 20th we headed over to the newly revamped Lindquist Field in downtown Ogden to watch the Ogden Raptors play the Orem Owlz. (The league-leading Owlz defeated the Raptors 7-2).

Hotdogs, cracker jacks, and the chance to watch the next “Derek Jeter” before he becomes famous…what more can you ask for? Utah’s minor league teams offer the thrills of a professional ballgame, minus the crowds and expense. It was an entertaining way to spend the evening with friends and family, and introduce my three-year-old to baseball.

Utah currently has four professional baseball teams: The Ogden Raptors and Orem Owlz (both Pioneer League), Salt Lake Bees (Pacific Coast League), and St. George Roadrunners (Golden Baseball League, an independent league). The Raptors are a farm team of the LA Dodgers. The Salt Lake Bees are the AAA affiliate of the LA Angels, and the Orem Owlz are the Angels’ rookie affiliate.

Lindquist Field has been home to the Raptors since 1997, and it’s a really nice ballpark. (In fact, baseballparks.com rated it the number one ballpark with the best view; Franklin Covey Field in Salt Lake City, where the Bees play, and Home of the Owlz in Orem tied for the number two spot). More than 2,000 reserved box seats were recently added along third base and left field.

In spite of leading the league in attendance each season, Lindquist Field wasn’t crowded at all, making it easy to be there with a large group of friends and children. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and sat at the top of the bleachers along the third base line for a spectacular view of the field and surrounding mountains. After the game, the players signed autographs for the kids.

Nine innings may be a little long for little ones–our budding fan was climbing the bleachers long before the seventh inning stretch. However, she did sing along to Take Me Out To The Ballgame and managed to make it all the way to the final out.

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A few tips if you go to Lindquist Field:

General admission tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for youth/seniors (keep an eye out for promotions offering free general admission tickets throughout the season). Reserved seating costs $9. Individual and season tickets can be purchased here: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/tickets/page.jsp?ymd=20060307&content_id=45786&vkey=tickets_t530&fext=.jsp&sid=t530 or call 801-393-2450.

General admission seating offers no protection from the elements, and faces west so as the sun sets it will be in your eyes. I suggest spending a few extra dollars for better seats. Along first and behind home plate are nicely shaded by the awnings. Although you’re out in the sun along the third base line, if you sit high up in the bleachers you have a fantastic view of the entire field and mountains. Keep your head up for foul balls!

Tickets stated no outside food or drink, and there are lots of vendors selling the usual ballpark fare, plus some specialties like garlic fries. Bring cash for refreshments and parking.

Parking is available in nearby garages, in a lot across the street from Lindquist Field, or on the street. Street parking closest to the stadium offers the possibility of taking home a unique souvenir– like a dent or broken windshield caused by a foul ball–so park at your own risk (and be sure your insurance is up to date!)