Explore Indianapolis' Victory Field
Welcome to Indianapolis' Victory Field, where the view from your seat is almost as unique as the Indians' parent club in Pittsburgh. Take a seat on the outfield lawn to see Minor League Baseball's second-oldest franchise take the field that fans affectionally call "The Vic."
Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 2005)
Established: 1902
League: International League
Ballpark: Victory Field (opened 1996)
Championships: 1902, 1908, 1917, 1928, 1949, 1956, 1982, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994 (American Association); 1963 and 2000 (International League)
Notable Alumni: Bryan Reynolds, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Oneil Cruz, Mitch Keller
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The Indianapolis Indians were founded in 1902, and as such are the second-oldest team in all of Minor League Baseball (behind only the Rochester Red Wings, who have operated in every season since 1899). In its history, Indianapolis has played in six leagues for nine Major League affiliates. The current affiliation with the Pirates began in 2005, some 50+ years after its previous Pittsburgh affiliation (1948-'51) came to an end.
Victory Field is the fifth ballpark the Indians have called home, following East Washington Park (1902-04), West Washington Park (1905-31) and Owen J. Bush Stadium (1931-1996). Bush Stadium was known as Victory Field from 1942-67, a name that originated as a response to the United States' involvement in World War II. The park the team plays in today is therefore the “new” Victory Field, with its moniker triumphant as opposed to hopeful.
Since opening its doors in 1996, Victory Field has been no stranger to acclaim, winning accolades from various national publications. The American Institute of Architects deemed the ballpark to be among the most “architecturally significant” buildings completed in the city's history since World War II. With one of the most distinctive views in baseball, it's not hard to see why.
Victory Field
Ballpark Location (via Google maps)
Indianapolis Roster
Indianapolis Schedule
Capacity: 12,230 (plus lawn and additional seating)
Dimensions: left field, 320 feet; center field, 402 feet; right field, 320 feet
Park Factors (2021-22)
100 = league average
Runs: 94 | Homers: 84 | Hits: 98
International League environment: 4.89 runs per team per game (seventh-highest among 11 full-season leagues)
Similar to the parent club's home of PNC Park in Pittsburgh, the most defining feature of Victory Field is the skyline, with the most notable singular element being the J.W. Marriott located beyond left field. Quite simply, there are very few Minor League ballparks across the country that can boast a view featuring such urban grandeur.
Victory Field features an outfield lawn that spans the entire outfield instead of traditional bleachers. According to the Indianapolis Star, longtime Indy general manager Randy Lewandowski had to convince the city that having an outfield lawn was a good idea. Now, nearly three decades after the fact, fans -- and dogs during Bark at the Park nights -- can fill the area to the brim. Along with the stadium's 12,230 permanent seats, the outfield lawn can fit about 2,000 more fans.
The Elements Financial Club, which features arguably the best view in the house of Victory Field's backdrop, opened in 2021 and is available for up to 200 guests. Near the Elements Financial Club is a timeline that dates from 1931 to the present day. The timeline highlights the Indians' old ballparks as well as championships, players and milestones from the past.
The Center Field Plaza houses entertainment options such as Speed Pitch and Water Gun Fun. Victory Field also features the Demar sensory wall for those who require it, providing a means to alleviate stress or calm individuals.
Following every win, the Max Schumacher Victory Bell, a 990-pound, 37-inch-wide bell made of copper and tin, is rung by local celebrities, season-ticket holders and guests. The bell is named after former team president and chairman of the board Max Schumacher, who has spent more than six decades with the organization.
Concessions
There's absolutely no shortage of food and beverage options at Victory Field.
Craving typical stadium grub such as Cracker Jacks, popcorn and hot dogs? Hit up VF Classic Eats. Links and Drinks also features options such as the all-beef premium dog and the half-pound footlong dog.
Craving burgers? There's The Range, Burger Kitchen or Tenders, Love and Chicken.
Got a sweet tooth? There's Rowdie's Ice Cream or Dippin' Dots.
And, yes, there are plenty of adult beverage options, including the Hornitos Cocktail Cart, the Beer Bat Cart and Yuengling Landing, as well as the aforementioned food establishments.
An important note: All concessions at Victory Field are cashless.
Mascot
Rowdie the bear has been the Indianapolis Indians' mascot since 1993, when the franchise was a mere 90 years old. His claims to fame, which have not been verified by fact checkers, include putting the "bear" in bear hug and modeling for the first gummy bear mold. Fact checkers can, however, verify he is Victory Field's most popular individual, mobbed by his adoring fans at every turn.
Where to Stay
Headed to the stadium and looking for a hotel nearby? Your Wyndham is waiting. As the Official Hotel of Minor League Baseball, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts welcomes baseball fans with a portfolio of 24 trusted brands. Find Hotels by Wyndham closest to the ballpark below and book now at wyndhamhotels.com.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis Downtown
• Wingate by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport-Rockville Rd.
• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
• Wyndham Indianapolis West
• The Alexander
Local Attractions
Since Victory Field is located in downtown Indianapolis, there's a wide array of attractions surrounding the ballpark.
Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts, is just two blocks away. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Pacers, is just one mile away. The Indiana University Natatorium and Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium are in the vicinity as well.
While Indianapolis is home to baseball, basketball and football, the city's attractions only begin with sports. Right across the street from the ballpark is the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park, and right across the White River is the Indianapolis Zoo.
The city also features a plethora of museums, such as the NCAA Hall of Champions; the Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites; the Eiteljorg Museum; the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library; the Eugene and Marilyn Click Indiana History Center; Rhythm! Discovery Center and the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art.
Food and Drink
There are plenty of nearby dining options in the vicinity of Victory Field, another benefit of its downtown location. Connor's Kitchen and Bar, Loughmiller's Pub and Eatery and the Yard House are among the nearby casual options. Higher rollers might want to opt for the legendary St. Elmo Steak House, while those with no other options will surely choose Dick's Last Resort.
Moving Along
The state of Indiana is also home to the Fort Wayne TinCaps and South Bend Cubs. Fort Wayne is about 125 miles away, while South Bend is about 150 miles away. The Dayton Dragons are about 120 miles away, and for those who want to keep traveling east on I-70, check out the Columbus Clippers. The Clippers, like Indianapolis, are members of the Triple-A International League.
The Road to Pittsburgh
All of Pittsburgh's Minor League affiliates occupy the Eastern Time Zone, but the affiliates are fairly spaced out. The closest Pirates Minor League affiliate to Indianapolis is Altoona, which is about an hour-and-a-half east of Pittsburgh.
Single-A: Bradenton Marauders
High-A: Greensboro Grasshoppers
Double-A: Altoona Curve
Triple-A: Indianapolis Indians
