Play ball!

Truth be told, I'm not a huge baseball fan. I don't mark opening day on my calendar. I don't get caught up in the standings. But every once in a while, I do like to visit a ballpark and take in a game. On a recent family getaway to Burlington, I was able to do just that.

The main focus of our trip to Burlington was Fun City and its waterpark, go karts, arcade and bowling alley (but that's another post!). However, just about a block away from the Fun CIty complex is Community Field, home to the Burlington Bees, a Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.


We timed our trip so we could take in a Sunday afternoon game. Admission is very affordable (the most expensive seats were $8) and parking was free. We opted for general admission seats ($6 for adults; $4 for children) because the ticket seller suggested those would be the shadiest. It happened to be kids' day, so our kids both got in free. Bonus!

The kids enjoyed bouncing around in the inflatable jump house prior to the game. (I enjoyed that it was free. And that they were burning off energy before sitting for the game.) Concessions were reasonably priced. We had two malt cups and two ice cream treats for about $12.

The majority of the stadium is general admission so we had no trouble finding seats. The weather was nearly perfect, hot, but not real humid. The bleachers were largely shaded, and when a breeze kicked through...divine.

As with most minor league ballparks, there were promotions held throughout the game. At one point the announcer encouraged kids to head to one particular section at the end of an innning. The kids were treated to a cool down courtesy of a water hose. My kids came back drenched, but thrilled.

We rooted hard for the home team, but they lost to the Clinton Lumberkings. (Hey, at least an Iowa team won!) After the game, kids were allowed to run the bases and get autographs from a few players.

Have you been to a minor league baseball game in Iowa? Let me know in the comments.

Jessica O'Riley, Iowa Tourism Office