NelsonCorp Field facts for kids
| Former names | LumberKings Stadium (2019) Ashford University Field (2011–2018) Alliant Energy Field (2002–2011) Riverview Stadium (1937–2001) |
|---|---|
| Address | 537 Ballpark Drive Clinton, Iowa 52732 |
| Coordinates | 41°50′57″N 90°11′07″W / 41.849265°N 90.185394°W |
| Owner | City of Clinton, Iowa |
| Operator | Clinton Baseball Club, Inc. (Clinton LumberKings) |
| Capacity | 5,500 |
| Field size | Left field: 330 ft (100 m) Center field: 401 ft (122 m) Right field: 325 ft (99 m) |
| Surface | Kentucky Blue Grass |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | November 29, 1935 |
| Opened | May 9, 1937 |
| Renovated | 2005–2006 |
| Construction cost | $150,000 ($3.05 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Albert H. Morrell & Associates |
| General contractor | Fred N. Grumstrup |
| Tenants | |
| Clinton Owls (IIIL) 1937–1941 Clinton LumberKings (MWL/PL) 1954–present Ashford Saints (NAIA) 2012–2016 |
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NelsonCorp Field is a cool stadium located in Clinton, Iowa. It's mostly used for baseball games. This field is the home of the Clinton LumberKings, a collegiate summer baseball team. They play in the Prospect League. The stadium was built way back in 1937 and can hold about 5,500 fans.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of NelsonCorp Field
Building a Ballpark: Riverview Stadium
The stadium's story began in 1935. It was built as Riverview Stadium and finished in 1937. This project was part of the Works Progress Administration, a program that helped people find jobs during tough economic times. The new stadium brought baseball back to Clinton after a long 19-year break.
The first team to play there was the Clinton Owls. They were connected to the Brooklyn Dodgers team. The Owls had a great first season, finishing in first place!
New Names and Big Changes
Over the years, the stadium got new names. In 2002, it became Alliant Energy Field. During this time, many improvements were made. Workers replaced the field lights and built a new clubhouse for the home team. They also put in new drainage pipes and made the dugouts bigger. Covered batting cages were also added.
In 2006, the stadium had a huge renovation that cost $4.2 million. Then, in 2011, it was renamed Ashford University Field. This name lasted until 2018. For a short time, it was called LumberKings Stadium. Finally, in May 2019, it became NelsonCorp Field, which is its name today.
Special Games and Events
NelsonCorp Field has hosted some exciting events. In 2009, it was the site of the Midwest League All-Star Game. The East All-Stars won that game 6-3. Over 2,500 fans came to watch the action!
In 2016, something really unique happened. After a baseball championship game, the field was quickly changed into a football field overnight! This was for the first-ever "LumberBowl." Camanche High School played a football game against Williamsburg High School there. It was a memorable event for the community.
A New League for the LumberKings
After the 2020 baseball season, the Clinton LumberKings left the Midwest League. This happened because Major League Baseball changed how minor leagues were organized. But the LumberKings didn't stop playing! In 2021, they joined the Prospect League. This is a league where college players get to play baseball during the summer.
What's Inside: Stadium Features
NelsonCorp Field has some cool spots for fans to enjoy the game. There's the Leinenkugel's Lumber Lounge, which is a party deck in right field. In left field, you can find the Coors Light Picnic Pavilion and a grassy area called the berm. Along the left field foul line, there's also the Dr. Pepper Picnic Garden, another great spot for groups.