HISTORY
Lakeville’s amateur baseball scene boasts a rich history, from early teams like the Lobos to the legendary 1959 DRS Championship team. Starting in 2026, the Loonatics bring a fresh, exciting, and contemporary twist to Minnesota town ball. The name, inspired by general manager James Hathaway and his family, honors Minnesota’s state bird—the loon—while embodying a lively, energetic, and community-oriented spirit.
The team competes at the recently constructed Belzer Stadium, a striking new venue nestled within the picturesque Grand Prairie Park, near Cedar Avenue and 185th Street. This modern, state-of-the-art facility boasts a permanent, brightly illuminated stadium that enhances the game-day experience. The project has been in development for nearly a decade. The Lakeview Baseball Association was established and successfully raised $1.6 million to fund the construction of the ballpark, which features upgraded amenities and advanced lighting. Previously, the city lacked lighting at any of its baseball fields.
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| Concession area off the third base line |
MY EXPERIENCE
Parking - The parking appears plentiful with a 181-space lot adjacent to the field. Yet when I attended the game, arriving 30 minutes early, the main and secondary 167-space lot was full, and I had to park in a third 120-space lot about 0.5 miles away.
Spectator Options - When I finally arrived, after the long walk from the parking lot, it was 15 minutes before the game. There was no seating in the grandstand (220-seat capacity) and very limited standing options. The area off first base had the walls all occupied. They say the site could hold over 500 people, and I think that was the case when I attended. It really took the allure of townball away!
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| Yes, that is a VIDEO board! |
Concessions - (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) - The standard A&W Root Beer was given. The hot dog was thick and plump. They handed out catsup, mustard, and relish in packets. The first bite was terrible. It felt like eating a piece of tofu with no texture or flavor. Very disappointed!
SUMMARY COMMENTS
The field offers the highest quality experience I have encountered in the townball environment. It is bordered on the north by a charming retention pond and on the east by a spectator hill. Once the trees mature, the setting will become even more picturesque.
I doubt I will be attending many games at this location, as I find the townball experience disappointing. It competes unfavorably with many minor league games I have seen. The coach had to signal extensively before each pitch, and the first inning dragged on for 35 minutes. The game lasted three hours, whereas most townball games, which are simply played without fuss, rarely last that long.
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