| The Ballpark at HarborYard was one of the eight new parks built for the independent Atlantic League. When it first opened in 1998, it was hard to argue that it was the jewel of the league. However, in later years, parks in Lancaster and Camden clearly outshined Bridgeport.
Its layout was similar to many other Double-A and Atlantic League parks constructed in recent years. It featured luxury boxes and an open concourse area above the seating bowl, though unfortunately, the concourse did not circle the park. Fans had to walk up a flight of steps to enter, but once inside, all the steps led down to the seating sections. The open concourse contained numerous concession stands and a small souvenir shop.
One of the ballpark’s best features was its backdrop. Just 10 feet beyond the left field wall stood HarborYard Arena, built in 2001. In right field, a large factory building loomed, and extending from center to right was a set of railroad tracks where trains regularly passed by during games. The tracks were elevated on a brick wall, further enhancing the ballpark’s charm.
Several familiar on-field promotions entertained fans between innings—dizzy bat races, mascot races featuring B.B. the Bluefish, and other lighthearted contests. Starting in 2008, the on-field DJ was LI Sounder, who had previously served as one of the team’s mascots. Despite these distractions, fans remained engaged in the game.
The concession options were varied, offering Philly cheesesteaks, Italian sausages, chicken fingers, burgers, and roast beef sandwiches. While the quality of food was poor in the beginning, it improved over time. Parking around the park was plentiful, though the $4 fee seemed unreasonable.
Bridgeport remained a decent draw for some time, though the novelty eventually wore off and attendance leveled out. Still, it was a nice ballpark in a great urban setting.
Unfortunately, 2017 marked the end of the Bluefish and baseball at HarborYard, as the city opted to convert the ballpark into an amphitheater for concerts.
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