The Lexington Legends joined the South Atlantic League in 2001 and moved into what was then known as Applebee’s Park. The new club enjoyed tremendous success in its new ballpark, winning 92 regular-season games en route to an SAL championship. The club hasn’t been able to replicate its early success, but that shouldn’t stop you from planning a visit to Whitaker Bank Ballpark (it was renamed in 2011). The ballpark’s age might surprise you, as it gives the feeling that it’s significantly older than 2001. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but the park is arguably missing some of the perks that many 2000-era parks offer. Still, the park features a variety of seating options, an above-average kids’ area and lots of places to stand and watch the game.
The ballpark’s official capacity is just shy of 7,000, making it the second-largest park in the league behind Greensboro. The field has dimensions of 320 feet to left, 401 feet to center and 318 feet to right. As is often the case in the minors, you won’t find a full concourse in the outfield at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Although there’s some outfield seating – bleachers in left and an elevated picnic area in right – you can’t walk around the perimeter of the field.
If visiting Whitaker Bank Ballpark with kids, be sure to check out the enormous play area behind the left field corner. This play area is one of the most impressive in the SAL and certainly worth a lengthy visit. Kids might also get a kick out of signing the enormous signature baseball in the pavilion in front of the park’s gates. Also impressive are the mist stations on the grass berms, which can quickly cool you off on a hot, sunny day. Be sure to visit the team shop on the first base concourse, where you can not only load up on Legends merchandise, but also find something featuring the club’s trademark mustache logo.