Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Greyhound Park at Bill Bright Field 1410 National Ave Indianapolis, IN 46227
Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 750
Release the Hounds at UIndy's Ballpark
Greyhound Park at Bill Bright Field is the home of the UIndy Greyhounds baseball team in Indianapolis. The Division II program has called the stadium home since 1976 and consists of 700 bleacher seats and standing-room areas against the fence down each foul line.
It is standard for this level of baseball but not far different from many on Division I baseball in the Midwest. The giant indoor track bubble looms large over the right field fence, and a small press box houses the media staff.
The Hounds have captured 16 GLCV regular season titles and have appeared in 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. They reached two World Series in 2000 and 2012. The team made national news when pitcher Brady Ware tossed a no-hitter and hit for the cycle.
Food & Beverage 0
There are no food stands in the ballpark, but fans are encouraged to bring something to eat. You will have fans, both young and old, snacking on fast food burgers and sandwiches or even a cooler of food and beverages. This is a similar vibe to ballparks of this size across the area and beyond.
Atmosphere 3
The gameday atmosphere did not feel any different than many of the ballparks of this kind in Division I baseball. The grandstand wrapped around the infield and provided close-up views of the diamond, fans were decked out in school colors, and there was heavy banter from each dugout.
The final out of the no-hitter and cycle game, Photo by Edward Bujdos
There are also the sounds that provided the soundtrack to the ballpark. You will hear the cleats against the concrete with players fetching foul balls that land in the parking lot, the ping of the ball off the aluminum bat, and the whip of the pitch from the bullpen down the left or right field line.
Neighborhood 3
The 65-acre campus is located south of downtown Indianapolis and is home to 4,063 students. There is not much within proximity of the university except fast-food restaurants, but less than 5 miles north of campus is Fountain Square.
The eclectic and funky neighborhood features some of the city’s best restaurants and sports to grab a drink. Kuma’s Corner, Bluebeard, Chilly Water Brewing Company, Hotel Whiskey Tango, Siam Square, Three Carrots, and World Famous Hot Boys are among your choices for dining. There is also duckpin bowling in either authentic 1940 or 1950s decor at Atomic Bowl Duckpin.
Fans 4
There are quite a few fans in the stands rooting for the Hounds and the visitors from Grand Valley State. Others pulled up lawn chairs and sat down the foul lines, while a few perched on a small hill down the left field side of the stadium.
In total, close to 160 people were in attendance for the Sunday afternoon game we attended. They were more than just the parents of the players, and there was plenty of action on the field to create a buzz in the stands.
Access 4
UIndy is easy to access on Interstate 65 on Hanna Ave just south of downtown Indianapolis. Once on campus, look for the giant bubble, and you will find the ballpark next to the football, softball, and basketball venues.
Return on Investment 4
Our game witnessed two home runs and a play at the plate, which means the baseball can be well above average. Admission is free, and parking is ample, making it a nice escape for baseball purists on an unseasonably warm late winter afternoon in Indianapolis.
Extras 2
After each homerun, the Hounds would welcome the hitter as he crossed home plate to jump up and down in unison. The giant indoor track bubble behind right field adds to the aesthetics of the small ballpark.
Final Thoughts
Greyhound Park is a splendid way to spend the afternoon on abnormally warmer winter days where all you need is a sweater. The admission is free, the fans are friendly, and the vibe is infectious for an honest day at the ballpark sometime in February or March.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com