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Akron Aeros: Canal Park
In 1923 Akron was America's fastest growing citiy. Since then, it hasn't
exactly developed a beautiful reputation. It is known mainly for tires and oatmeal, and perhaps a little restaurant that claims
to have invented the hamburger. But just next to that restaurant is Canal Park, a 9,200 seat ballpark that opened in 1997
that is the crown jewel of Akron's somewhat refurbished downtown.
Canal Park benefits greatly from its setting. On one side it is bordered
by Main Street, Akron's biggest avenue. On the next, it is bordered by a large municipal park. This allows for the view over
the right field corner to be an unobstructed view of the city skyline. This extends somewhat into the center field view.
But the best part of the park's setting is in left field. Akron was home to the Ohio and Erie canal, and what is left of that
- several lock parks - runs just beyond the left field fence. There is a small party area and a decent view of the waterway,
giving the park its name.
This is definitely a downtown ballpark. Its walls are defined by buildings
and landmarks the park had to avoid. The main entrance is just a short walk from the city center, and there is ample parking
around the park. Inside, this double-A park is made up of one large deck of blue seats extending from foul pole to foul pole.
There is a small set of bleachers under the scoreboard in right field, although tastefully done, and a well done set of luxury
suites surrounding the home plate area. The whole main concourse is bordered by an old fashioned brick structure that forms
the park's exterior walls.
The Aeros were formerly housed in Canton as the Indians, and their relocation
to Akron forced ownership to put a lot of effort into remaking the team's image and making the ballgames a great experience.
Games in Akron can be a little expensive for double-A, but there are a tremendous number of on-field promotions that seem
to keep the generally large crowds interested.
Akron is a surprisingly nice city, and a trip downtown likely will include
a park to the canals, so you'll probably catch a glimpse into this park. It does seem to take up about a quarter of the city.
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