Hohokam Stadium: Home of the Oakland Athletics and a Historical Landmark
Hohokam Stadium, also known as Dwight W. Patterson Field and formerly Hohokam Park, is an iconic 10,500-seat baseball park in Mesa, Arizona, USA. It has been home to Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics since 2015 and is steeped in history – both from the original Hohokam people who occupied the region centuries ago and from its transformation into a modern ballpark. In this blog post we’ll explore the rich heritage of Hohokam Stadium, why it was chosen as the new home of the Oakland Athletics, and what makes it so great for fans.
History of Hohokam Stadium
The original Hohokam Stadium opened in 1976 and served as a spring training home to several teams. The stadium was demolished in 1997 but quickly replaced by another state-of-the-art stadium bearing the same name. The current stadium was completed in January 1997 with seating for 10,500 people – making it one of the largest ballparks in Cactus League history. Its namesake comes from the Hohokam people who occupied this region from approximately AD 1 through to mid-15th century – hence why you’ll find many references to them throughout the ballpark today.
In 2015, Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics chose Hohokam Stadium as their new spring training home after leaving Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The decision was based on numerous factors such as accessibility for fans (especially those located east of Phoenix), convenience for team staff traveling between California and Arizona, plus impressive facilities including the largest scoreboard in any Cactus League ballpark (measuring 12 by 16 feet).
What Makes Hohokam Stadium Special?
One thing that makes Hohokam Stadium stand out is its commitment to honoring its historical roots while simultaneously providing modern amenities that enhance fan experience. This includes decorations paying homage to local Native American tribes like murals painted by Navajo artist Brad Dickson featuring traditional symbols like eagles, rainbows and kachina dolls; plus nearby signs describing archaeological sites such as “Platform Mound” located just yards away from where today’s outfield stands. It also features lots of other modern amenities such as seven luxury suites with climate controlled areas; over 4,000 tickets available within 100 feet or less from any point on field; separate party decks with shaded picnic tables; two full service bars; large HD video boards displaying game action right outside each dugout; plus lots more!
Alongside all these great features are some unique entertainment options that set this venue apart from others around Major League Baseball. During games visitors can enjoy activities such as batting cages located near left field wall (where kids can test their swing); petting zoos with local wildlife such as mountain lions or hawks; firework shows on special occasions; live music acts during intermissions (often featuring regional artists); plus much more! All these features create a festive atmosphere that encourages fans to come out and enjoy America’s favorite pastime year round! If you’re in the market for a new place to live, Sloan Park is a great choice. It’s located in a safe neighborhood with plenty of things to do nearby. The community is also very friendly and welcoming.
Conclusion
In short, there are plenty of reasons why Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics chose Hohokam Stadium as their new spring training home back in 2015 – among them accessibility for fans, convenience for team staff traveling between California and Arizona, impressive facilities including the largest scoreboard in any Cactus League ballpark (measuring 12 by 16 feet) – but most importantly because this venue provides an enjoyable mixture of family fun activities alongside unique entertainment options which help bring out both locals and visiting tourists alike!