📍 Salem, Virginia
⚾ Home of the Salem Red Sox
Nestled in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley, Carillion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark is one of the most scenic spots in the minors. With a sweeping panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains bestriding the venue on all sides, there’s really no comparison amongst Salem’s Carolina League peers.
The concrete-clad stadium opened in 1995 and has since seen a few key renovations that have helped keep the place up-to-date. The steep design of the seating bowl, despite providing no shade or relief from the hot summer sun, offers great views of the field and even better vistas of the distant mountains. Although the venue’s brutalist architecture doesn’t exactly scream “warm and inviting”, Salem fans know that looks aren’t everything and continue to pack the park. The team’s stellar attendance figures are probably due to…well, the consistently victorious Red Sox, in addition to the stadium’s open layout, providing a whole host of amenities for fans. A unique kids zone on the third base side features a mini-Fenway Park, where little ones can imagine they’re a star on one of baseball’s biggest stages. Standing room areas behind home plate give fans the chance to grab some food and catch up with their friends.
Speaking of food, the concessions at Salem Memorial are second-to-none. Multiple stands provide a variety of options to choose from, with much of the offerings being prepared fresh. Although this can lead to some REALLY long lines, the grub here is almost always worth the wait. Even the classics like hot dogs and hamburgers seem to be restaurant quality. The real gem, however, is the Fat Sandwich: chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, fries and some marinara sauce jammed in between two pieces of bread. It’s a unique item and a must try if you’re up for the challenge.
Carillion Clinic Field is often slept on in the Carolina League, with newer ballparks like Fredericksburg, Kannapolis or Augusta getting most of the attention. However, ballparks such as Salem tend to have more character and offer a more unique minor league experience. Get out to a game at this underrated gem, sing along to Sweet Caroline in true Red Sox fashion and soak in a Blue Ridge sunset while you still can!
Info Invasion
Must Eat: Chow down on a “Fat Sandwich” for $15, it’s worth it
Parking: Huge free lot directly outside the ballpark
Nearby Venue(s): Berglund Center
In the Area: Drive to the top of Mill Mountain and watch sunset over Roanoke
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