Recognized as the "Best Minor League Ballpark in America" by prominent publications such as Baseball America and Sports Illustrated, Victory Field opened its gates July 11, 1996, and serves as home of the Indianapolis Indians, Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The ballpark is also home to the annual City, County, and High School Baseball State Championships. On July 11, 2001, Victory Field hosted the Triple-A All-Star Game.
Located at the corner of West and Maryland Streets in downtown Indianapolis, Victory Field offers a spectacular view of the Indianapolis skyline. The $20 million facility boasts many unique features including an open concourse that offers a great view of the playing field throughout the ballpark, festival-style lawn seating, and angled outfield seats that hug the foul lines. With 12,202 permanent stadium seats and room for approximately 2,000 fans in the lawn, the ballpark can comfortably accommodate crowds of 14,202. Victory Field also features 28 luxury suites, five suite-level party areas, and two large picnic areas.
Victory Field represents the southwest border of White River State Park, an urban park that features numerous cultural, educational and recreational attractions including the Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, an IMAX theatre and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial. The northeast corner of White River State Park is bordered by the sprawling campus of IUPUI and its enrollment of over 30,000.
The city of Indianapolis has built its reputation as the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World" which is due in large part to the world-class sports facilities within its downtown. Victory Field shares the limelight with the neighboring Lucas Oil Stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse, the Indiana University Natatorium, the Indianapolis Tennis Center, and the Michael E. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium.
The opening of Victory Field in 1996 was the catalyst for a revitalization of downtown Indianapolis. The area has enjoyed over $3 billion in public and private capital investment in the last decade. The thriving downtown now boasts more than 200 eating and drinking establishments as well as more than 300 retail stores including the Circle Centre mall. Also within walking distance of Victory Field is the Indiana Convention Center and its nearly 600,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space. Yet within this critical mass of activity, convenient access has remained a priority as evidenced by the 6,400 parking spaces available within three blocks of the ballpark.
Victory Field draws its name from the Indianapolis Indians' former home. Originally opened as Perry Stadium in 1931, that ballpark held the name Victory Field from 1942 to 1967 celebrating the United States' victory in World War II. After being named in honor of former player, manager, and team president Owen J. Bush on Aug. 30, 1967, Bush Stadium closed its gates to professional baseball on July 3, 1996.
