| Veterans Memorial Stadium was a great example of the classic minor league ballpark. Unfortunately, 2001 marked its final season, and the park was torn down afterward.
The stadium featured a large covered grandstand stretching from base to base. Beneath it were mostly benches with backs, along with a few rows of box seats. Bleacher sections extended down both foul lines past the grandstand, and a picnic area was situated in the left field corner.
The concourse harkened back to a different era. It was located under the grandstand and was extremely tight. Some concession stands were housed there, while others were positioned down each line behind the bleachers. The Kernels even managed to tuck a small souvenir store into the concourse, making it one of the most unique setups in minor league baseball, even if it wasn’t ideal for large crowds.
Veterans Memorial Stadium sat on the southern outskirts of Cedar Rapids, allowing the city skyline to be visible in the distance over the right field fence. The best aspects of older parks were often their emphasis on the game itself and their affordability, and Veterans Memorial excelled in both areas. While the team occasionally included between-inning entertainment and sound effects, the game remained the focal point.
Prices were hard to beat—parking was free, general admission seats cost only $4, and concession items were very reasonable. Among the older ballparks, there were some I preferred (Pittsfield,
Clinton), but Veterans Memorial ranked right up there—just a notch below those.
A new park was built right next to the old one and opened in 2002. As feared, it become just like every other new ballpark—focused more on modern amenities than preserving the essence of minor league baseball.
This is a shame, as Veterans Memorial Stadium was one of the truly unique experiences in minor league baseball.
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