Midnight falls upon Fairbanks, Alaska on the longest day of the year. It’s the summer solstice and, just west of town, one of the nation’s most unique sporting events is taking place at old Growden Memorial Park. Though the quaint ballpark features plenty of lighting, the field and the packed stands are illuminated today by only the setting Midnight Sun.
Dating back to 1906, the Midnight Sun Game has been a bucket list event for baseball fans from all across the globe and visitors to The Last Frontier for decades. The Alaska Goldpanners, one of the oldest continuously operating summer collegiate teams in the United States, have hosted the game since their founding in 1960. After many years of playing in the Alaska Baseball League, the team is now a barnstorming squad that welcomes a random opponent from the Lower 48 for this one-of-a-kind game. Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2025, it’s the crown jewel of the Alaska Goldpanners’ schedule.
The Ballpark
Opened in 1962 to replace Griffin Field, Growden Memorial Park is a modest stadium with an old-school feel. While it boasts a typical capacity of around 3,500, the venue can cram up to 5,200 fans in for the Midnight Sun Game. The most coveted and comfortable seats are in the covered grandstand, though open-air bleacher seating down the lines offer the best views. Despite the unpredictable Alaska weather, artificial light has never been used for the Midnight Sun Game and the event has never been rained out.
Several famous big leaguers have spent some time at the ballpark over its long and storied lifetime. MLB stars such as Barry Bonds, Tom Seaver, Rogers Clemens, Jason Giambi and Dave Winfield have all taken to the field here in Fairbanks.
This photo was taken just one minute past midnight.
The Game
Taking place in mid-June, first pitch of the Midnight Sun Game is just minutes after the clock strikes 10pm. The sun stubbornly clings to the horizon and fans gather under its glow at Growden for one of baseball’s most extraordinary experiences. Excitement builds as the night draws on, with everyone in attendance eagerly awaiting the stroke of midnight. At that moment, as pitches continue to be thrown and bats continue to crack, the field is bathed in warm sunlight. A hush falls over the crowd and each fan is reminded – as if they didn’t already know – of Alaska’s captivating beauty.
As the calendar flips into the next day and the game begins to wrap up in the wee hours of the morning, the hills of the Tanana Valley filter in the last bits of light before the sun finally sets. With folks heading home from one of the best games of their lives, the sun dips below the horizon just before 1am, creating a perpetual sunset before reappearing in the northeastern sky about two hours later.
“I’ve been lucky enough to attend many World Series, All-Star Games and Opening Days, but the Midnight Sun Game is in a league of its own.“
– Greg S. Harris
Stadium51 