Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Wellspan Park 5 Brooks Robinson Way York, PA 17403
Year Opened: 2007
Capacity: 5,200
Revolution in the White Rose City
From 1894-1969 York, Pennsylvania was home to the minor league York White Roses. The team played in various leagues over the years before folding. For over three long decades, the city attempted to get baseball to return. Around the turn of the century these efforts picked up steam as attempts to build a new ballpark intensified.
After many battles over a suitable site and funding, ground was broken in 2006 on a site in the Arch Street neighborhood. Twenty buildings were demolished to make way for the new ballpark. Opening Day at the new ballpark took place on June 16, 2007 as the York Revolution defeated the Newark Bears, 9-6.
The name “Revolution” was chosen as the team’s moniker in a fan ballot. The name originally referred to the city’s colonial heritage. York was one of the country’s first capitals, and the Continental Congress passed the Articles of Federation here during the Revolutionary War. Over time the name has come to symbolize the city’s renaissance efforts. Since their debut in 2007, the Revolution have won 3 Atlantic League championships.
Food & Beverage 5
The concession options at PeoplesBank Park are most impressive for a ballpark of this size. Several stands are located throughout the concourse offering a nice variety of ballpark standards. Fans looking for something outside of your typical stadium fare can grab a specialty slice of pizza at The Pizza Box, a sub at Home Run Hoagies, or a gourmet hot dog at Smok’n Hogs. For a taste of Pennsylvania, head to Foltz’s Pretzels for some hand-rolled pretzels and freshly squeezed lemonades.
If you are feeling extra hungry, head to the Macho Nacho stand for a large order of nachos served in a full-sized helmet. Or you can opt for some chicken fingers and fries, also served in a helmet.
Pepsi products are featured at PeoplesBank Park. If soda is not your thing, there is also a nice selection of freshly squeezed lemon, lime, strawberry and orangeades. If looking for an adult beverage, local brews from Real Ale Revival, Rusty Rail Brewing and Tall Tales Brewing Company are featured in addition to national brands.
Atmosphere 3
Much of what goes on at a Revolution game will be familiar to veteran minor league baseball fans. There is a lot of action outside of the diamond designed to keep the casual fan interested. Between inning contests, sound effects, an emcee and the mascot (Downtown the Eagle), all play a prominent role in entertaining the crowd.
If visiting PeoplesBank Park with children, a part of your night will undoubtedly be spent in centerfield, where a play area is set up complete with a beautiful carousel, inflatables and more. It’s a great place for the younger fans in attendance to blow off some steam. There are benches there so that parents can keep one eye on the kids and one eye on the game. There is also a large berm in right field where kids can move around and let off some steam. Just be warned, Cannonball Charlie resides out there, too.
Neighborhood 3
PeoplesBank Park is located in the Arch Street neighborhood, just a few blocks from downtown York. Construction of the ballpark was one of several large-scale projects undertaken in the early 2000s as part of a revitalization plan. The ballpark is located on the banks of Codorus Creek in between a pair of railroad tracks.
Visiting fans looking for places to eat before or after a Revolution game will find no shortage of choices along North George Street just a few blocks from the ballpark. Likewise, several lodging options are located a few miles from the ballpark at the junction of I-83 and Route 30.
Fans 3
York generally averages around 3,000 fans per game, good for the middle of the Atlantic League attendance rankings. As is the case at most minor league games, the crowd here is a mix of die-hard fans who rarely miss a game and families enjoying a summer night out. At PeoplesBank Park both groups are made to feel at home.
Access 3
Located in south-central Pennsylvania, York is the 11th largest city in the state, with a population of just under 44,000 residents. Greater York has over 100,000 residents.
Driving is the primary method to arrive at PeoplesBank Park, but the local Greyhound Bus Station is located right next to the ballpark for those fans requiring public transportation. Parking is available in several lots located a short walk from the ballpark. Lots closest to the ballpark are reserved for season ticket holders and other VIPs. Lots are not well marked, but there are staff persons around to direct you where you need to go. There is limited on-street parking in the area as well.
There are several entrances to PeoplesBank Park, but most fans will enter the ballpark via the main entrance on Brooks Robinson Plaza behind home plate. The team store will be located directly to your right as you enter. The 360-degree concourse features plenty of standing room spots with views of the action and room for fans to move around without any difficulty. Three sets of restrooms are clean and large enough to handle the typical Revolution crowd.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets for Revolution games range in price from $9 for lawn seats to $15 for Dugout box seats. If you wait until game day to buy your tickets, prices increase by $2. Stadium Journey recommends using the electronic ticketing option to skip an additional charge for will call or mail delivery.
Parking prices top out at $3 in the lots a short walk from the ballpark. Concessions are reasonably priced as well. To save a few dollars, combine your item with fries and a soda for a combo meal. Overall a night at a Revolution game is an affordable entertainment option for central Pennsylvania baseball fans.
Extras 5
Brooks Robinson made his professional debut with the White Roses in 1955 and was a part of the group that brought professional baseball back to York in 2007 after a 36-year absence. In his honor, there is a statue of Mr. Robinson in the entry plaza to PeoplesBank Park. The ballpark’s address, 5 Brooks Robinson Way, is a nod to his uniform number.
PeoplesBank Park is home to the tallest outfield wall in all of baseball. At 37 feet, 8 inches, the left field wall here, called the “Arch Nemesis,” is 8 inches taller than the famed Green Monster at Fenway Park.
Cannonball Charlie, clad in a Continental Army uniform, sets up shop in right field. He fires his cannon after every Revolution home run and victory. Be warned, that cannon is really loud! Longtime Revs fans say they enjoy watching newbies jump out of their seats when the cannon goes off.
There are four retired numbers on the façade of the press box at PeoplesBank Park. Brooks Robinson(5), Jackie Robinson (42), Andy Etchebarren (8) and Corey Thurman (35) are the honorees.
An extra point for the hand-operated scoreboard in the Arch Nemesis. With the 360-degree concourse at PeoplesBank Park, you can walk behind the wall and watch the scoreboard operator at work. You may even be able to take a peek through the wall and see the game from a unique vantage point.
Final Thoughts
PeoplesBank Park represents the York community perfectly. It is not a flashy place but has plenty of features to keep the casual fan interested. Plus, it is a comfortable place for the serious baseball fan. Loaded with local vendors and touches, PeoplesBank Park is worthy of a Stadium Journey.