On Wednesday, July 5th at noon, Warner Park officially won BallparkDigest.com’s Best Summer-Collegiate Ballpark of 2017. Almost 30,000 fans voted in the summer collegiate bracket of the Best of the Ballparks 2017. It was by far the highest amount that BallparkDigest.com ever had participate in the summer collegiate voting. The Mallards faithful came out to vote and completed a substantial comeback. The Duck Pond held about 40% of the vote earlier in the week before voters pushed Warner Park ahead on Wednesday.
“The Duck Pond truly is the best summer collegiate stadium in the country,” said Mallards General Manager Tyler Isham. “We are delighted to receive this award and would like to thank all of our fans who were voting throughout the competition. Our facility provides a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment experience for all ages.”
Earlier this season, the Mallards welcomed their 3,000,000 fan through the gates of Warner Park. This summer, the Mallards have welcomed more than 100,000 fans already and average 6,212 fans per game, which is the highest average in collegiate summer baseball.
Earlier this year, the Mallards completed a large renovation with the brand new Great Dane Duck Blind. The four-level complex sits down the right field line, holds 12 suites, and seating for up to 1,000 general admission guests. It was constructed using 37 recycled shipping containers. The renovation improved sightlines for fans and added more physical seats to improve the fan experience in the space.
Warner Park was built in 1982 and has been home to the Madison Muskies, Madison Hatters, and Madison Black Wolf before the Mallards came to town in 2001. In 2011, the ballpark went through a complete renovation when a brand-new grandstand was added including stadium seats from Camden Yards. The Mallards continued with additions to Warner Park as the Meriter and Physicians Plus Backyard and The Great Dane Duck Blind Club were added in 2012 followed by the Zimbrick Honda Video Board in 2013.
