📍 Bridgewater Township, New Jersey
⚾ Home of the Somerset Patriots
Fifty-five miles south of Yankee Stadium in the New Jersey suburbs, the future stars of the Bronx Bombers’ take to the field at TD Bank Ballpark. Located in Bridgewater Township on the outer edges of the New York metro area, this gable-roofed venue has been home to the Somerset Patriots for over 25 years. The Patriots, originally a staple in the independent Atlantic League, have served as the Double-A affiliate of the Yankees since the minor leagues were restructured in 2021.
A fixture in the Garden State since their inception, the Patriots came into existence in 1998 as founding member of the independent Atlantic League. The team, as the premier source of entertainment in New Jersey’s Somerset County, consistently drew some of the league’s largest crowds prior to becoming affiliated.
Of all of America’s sports teams that call themselves the Patriots, this franchise perhaps deserves it the most. Just two miles from TD Bank Ballpark is the site of the unfurling of the first official American flag, flown by George Washington’s Continental Army following a law passed by Congress to adopt a national flag in 1777.
222 years after that momentous event came the construction of a new home for the region’s newest team. Opened in 1999, the classic TD Bank Ballpark was designed to seat over 6,100 fans – though the venue can hold almost 2,000 more – and evoke the charm of some of the nation’s most iconic ballparks. During its Atlantic League era, the stadium was named one of the best independent ball facilities in the country on several occasions, praised mostly for its accessibility, amenities and fan-friendly experience. The venue also has that uniquely Jersey feel, featuring concession items such as pork roll burgers, Premio sausages and cheesesteak hoagies.
A decorated squad in the Atlantic League, winning 6 championship titles, the Patriots’ incredible success has carried over into their affiliation with the Yankees. Instantly one of the Eastern League’s top teams, Somerset has greatly benefited from joining the minor leagues and now serves as a vital part of the Yanks farm system.
Info Invasion
Parking: Park for free in the Target lot across the street; or, take New Jersey Transit’s Raritan Valley Line to the Bridgewater station just beyond the outfield
Nearby Venue(s): Jersey Mike’s Arena, Jadwin Gymnasium
In the Area: Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park
Stadium51 