July 9th, 2007 categories: Columbus News

I enjoy baseball.  You might say I’m a bit of an enthusiast.  As such, I enjoy going to Columbus Clipper baseball games.  If you’re considering a move to Columbus, I think it’s important to know that we do have professional sporting events to attend.  I’ve been going to Clippers games for years. 

Going to a game is a fun time. Period.  You can’t have a bad time at a Clippers Game.  Last Monday was Dime-A-Dog night at Cooper Stadium.  Our family and 12,500 other folks turned out to watch the game.  It was the perfect storm for the Clippers — the beginning of a holiday week, a gorgeous summer day, fireworks after the show, and 10 cent hot dogs.  Free T-shirts too, if you purchased at least reserve seats. 

While I can’t say that I’ve seen the place that crowded in a long, long, time, it was nice to see so many people turn out to enjoy the baseball scene in Columbus.

“We are paying attention to things that will attract new fans as well, including families, young professionals, and visitors from the nearby convention center.”  —Mary Jo Kilroy, County Comissioner

The current stadium is the oldest in the International League but all in all, I think it’s held up well.  Next year is slated to be the last year for Cooper Stadium.  In 2009, Franklin County will open the new Huntington Ballpark downtown in the Arena District.  I can’t wait.  Our family could ride our bikes to the ballpark.  I love that. 

Better yet, at the end of the 2008 year, both the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds AAA teams must sign new contracts with the big clubs, fueling speculation that a new downtown ballpark could land one of those farm teams.  Currently, the Clippers are enjoying their first year of affiliation with the Washington Nationals.  I’m a big Cleveland fan and if their AAA farm team winds up playing in Columbus, I’ll be in heaven.

The Franklin County Press Release Page regarding the new park

The Ballpark watch story about the new ballpark