Spring/Summer 2011

Want to share America’s favorite pastime with your family? Head to Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Each year, more than 500,000 people visit the park, which was named by Sports Illustrated as the best minor-league ballpark in the nation.

With just 12,500 seats, the facility promotes itself as “baseball up close,” and you’re never far from the action. Even better, the focus is on old-fashioned fun, complete with peanuts, Cracker Jack and a rambunctious mascot named Rowdie.

The 2011 season, which begins April 7, includes 72 home games, so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule. Try a Friday evening game, when you’ll get a beautiful view of the downtown skyline and a free fireworks show (starting May 13). For giveaways like bobble-head dolls, however, your best bet is Souvenir Sundays.

Box seats are just $14 for adults and $13 for children, while reserved seats are $10 and $9. Still too pricey? Grab a spot on the lawn ($9/$8), where you can spread out a picnic and let the kids roam.

Another way to save: Enroll the youngsters in the Knot Hole Kids Club, which offers admission to every home game of the season for just $15. Club members also get a T-shirt and are allowed to run the bases after Sunday games.

When the kids get hungry, try the new build-a-burger station, or go for traditional options like hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack and popcorn. During Monday Dollar Menu promotions, those traditional choices are just $1 each – yet another way to get “baseball up close” without breaking the bank.

- State - Indiana

- Type - Family Vacations

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