There’s little that feels more All-American than a family trip to a baseball game. While the cost of seeing MLB stars play at major league stadiums can be prohibitive for many, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fun night out watching great professional baseball. Often overlooked, and, in our opinion, grossly underrated, Minor League Baseball provides an accessible, family-friendly option for baseball fans of all ages.
Pensacola’s home team, the Blue Wahoos, is no exception. This AA affiliate of the Miami Marlins (formerly of the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins) serves up competitive baseball and family entertainment multiple nights a week at Blue Wahoos Stadium, located in Community Maritime Park, just moments from downtown Pensacola.
Since its opening a decade ago, Blue Wahoos Stadium has often been recognized as one of the best places in America to take in a minor league baseball game. For baseball lovers, catching a Blue Wahoos game can be a great way to see future MLB stars as they start out their professional careers. Many players from the team have gone on to sign and play with various Major League teams. You never know who you might be watching out on that field!
But seeing the Blue Wahoos play at their own stadium isn’t just about the game. It’s about the whole experience. With a max capacity of just over 5,000, fans get an up-close-and-personal look at the game, as there are no bad seats in the stadium. The stadium also offers gorgeous views of the nearby Pensacola Bay.
Many games offer theme nights, giveaways, or promotions. These can range from bobblehead giveaways to the popular Thursday night tradition of the “Pensacola Mullets.” Every Thursday throughout the summer, the team transforms from the Blue Wahoos to the Mullets. They wear Mullet-branded uniforms, sell Mullet merchandise, and have special activities to celebrate, as they put it, “one of history’s most storied and respected hairstyles.”
The stadium itself is a beautifully constructed venue, with every detail geared toward giving fans the best possible viewing experience and encouraging community engagement. In fact, the stadium was designed for year-round use, not only by the team, but by local youth, high school, and recreational teams from across the area.
Throughout the year, the stadium also offers a full schedule of special events. For example, fall events include an artisan pumpkin patch, the Soul Bowl (a day dedicated to youth football games and family-oriented events), a chef-prepared gourmet dinner and bourbon tasting experience, movies shown on the big screen, and fundraisers for various charities. For those who will be in the area around Halloween, we encourage you to check out Wahooloween, where families can trick-or-treat around the concourse and then enjoy a showing of the film Hocus Pocus.
From its inception, the mission of Blue Wahoos Stadium has been to improve the quality of life for the people of Pensacola. Through its affordable entertainment, community outreach, and a robust calendar of engaging events, it has continued to do just that. Next time you’re in town, check out the Blue Wahoos website to see what games and events might be happening during your visit. There’s never a dull moment with the Blue Wahoos!
Insider Tips:
-The team offers discounted season and partial season tickets. For those who live in the area or who will be spending significant time in Pensacola, this is worth exploring as a cost-saving option.
-If you plan to attend a game, check the website to see if there might be any special promotions or giveaways going on while you’re there. You never know what you might get!
-Forgot to pick up that one piece of merch you really wanted at the game? Not to worry. The Blue Wahoos have an online store where you can order branded merch and have it shipped to your home.
-Every area of Blue Wahoos Stadium is available for rent, from the VIP areas to the locker rooms. If you are looking for a unique venue for a private event, check in with the stadium team to see what options might be available for you.