Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium
931 N 1st St
Terre Haute, IN 47807
Year Opened: 1978
Capacity: 2,000
It’s Good to be the King in Terre Haute
Baseball has had a long history in Terre Haute dating back to the late 1800s and from 1901-1956 would regularly field professional teams in the old Three-Eye League, a Class B Loop that was considered one of the finest in the nation. However, midway through the 1956 season, the last club to call Terre Haute home closed up shop, and a little over a decade later its ballpark was altered as a football-only facility.
For many, it appeared that summer-time baseball would never make its return but early this century many began wondering if some type of ball club could return to the city. Soon, a feasibility study was conducted from a Sports and Recreation class in 2005 and talk of baseball began percolating once again in the Wabash Valley.
Around the same time talks of renovating the ISU baseball field also developed and within four years saw the new and improved Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium debut for the 2009 season. The stadium was originally built in 1978 and called the name Sycamore Field, but the legendary baseball coach’s name was added.
The ballpark never looked better and when the college season would complete a new summer collegiate program would take up residency on the diamond. The Rex began operations in the Prospect League in 2010 and was founded by the ISU Foundation which would sell it to six local businessmen in 2013 that all have ties with the university. The summer collegiate team gets its name from Rex Coffee which has been produced in town by Clabber Girl since 1905.
The Rex has posted a losing record one time in their history while capturing two PL titles in 2015 and 2017. The club’s record is an impressive 407-302 and has made the appearance five times.
Food & Beverage 3
There is one concession area near the main entrance of the stadium. There is not an abundance of choices and prices are from moderate to high. For example, the super nachos are $6. The area is behind the seating concourse and one would need to step away from the game for a few moments to get something to eat or drink. Beer is sold during games and offered by vendors who walk up and down the concourse level.
Atmosphere 3
From the outside, the field looks especially elegant with a beautiful salmon stucco finish, but on the inside, it is the familiar aluminum bleacher seating resembling what the ballpark had during its first 30 years of service.
The stadium is expanded to 2,000 for Rex games and the club does its best to provide a minor league-style atmosphere for the fans who attend each game. It is a step back to a simpler type of wood bat ball and does not feature too many annoyances that might strike a chord with traditionalists.
The Rex attracts a nice crowd to their home games. You do not have your standard friends and family of the players on the field. The local supporters are proud of their new facility and they seem to enjoy watching from comfortable views from the grandstand.
Neighborhood 3
The stadium is north of campus and is adjacent to a cemetery. Before renovations, the tombstones were highly visible from behind the outfield walls. The stadium does sit on 3rd Street, the main artery of town, where you will find a collection of local proprietors and national restaurant chains. The stadium is located about three miles north of I-70, where many of these options are located, but downtown Terre Haute is close and has the potential of becoming a burgeoning hot spot in town.
The Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center was created in 1995 by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes. The impressive museum features holograms of her memories and stories that visitors can view as if she is still with them. The cost is only $5 a person for adults and is well worth your time when in town.
The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is also worth a visit with the little ones that costs $8 for admission. The Clabber Girl Museum is located in the historic Hulman Building and highlights the company’s history in town, admission is complimentary.
The Sycamore Winery is not too far from the ballpark and is set on beautiful grounds where visitors can enjoy both wine and beer that is brewed on-site. The best options are nearby downtown. M Moggers is an old reliable establishment that offers typical pub food and drinks, across the street is the Terre Haute Brewing Company. Sonka Irish Pub, 7th and Elm Street Grill, and The Saratoga are also great choices when downtown.
A tad bit down the road is J Gumbo’s - my destination for cheap eats and creative thinking; try the Black and bleu dip with nachos, bumblebee stew, Cajun nachos, Jean Lafitte po’boy, creole ratatouille. Gerhardt’s is a little further north of downtown, but worth the drive for homemade German cuisine. Rick’s Smokehouse is another option for smoked ribs and pulled pork.
Terre Haute is nearby other Prospect League clubs in Danville and Lafayette, Danville Stadium and Loeb Stadium are two older facilities that offer a great vibe during the summer months–note the Lafayette club will be playing out of Alexander Field during the 2020 season while Loeb goes through heavy renovations. Another ballpark, Victory Field, is located a little bit over an hour in downtown Indianapolis and is one the best in the minor leagues.
Fans 3
The Rex attracts their fair share of the casual and dedicated fan base. Many come out to enjoy the winning baseball by the club and many others find it a great way to entertain the kids or socialize with friends during the summer months. The ballpark is never fully packed but they are impressive in numbers at times that bring a livelihood to the place.
Access 4
Bob Warn Field is located two and a half miles north of I-70. The best way to get there is to exit onto 3rd Street from the interstate and continue north. You will pass the campus to your right and once you cross over the bridge, the stadium is on your left. The parking is free and close to the entrance of the stadium.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets to Rex games are as low as $6 for adults and $5 for youths. The price of a backstop grandstand seat is $8, reserved seats are $10, and scout seats up against the field are $15. The price to park your car is free and concession items are reasonable.
Extras 1
Bob Warn Field is a fine facility to watch college baseball in the spring, or collegiate wood baseball during the summer in Terre Haute. It is a much-needed upgrade from the original structure that once stood at the same location.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com