Blair Field
Long Beach, CA
Review by Mike
Blair Field is the home of the Long Beach State Dirtbags of the NCAA D1 Big West Conference. During the summer, it plays host to the Long Beach Coast of the Pioneer League, an independent MLB Partner League. This 3,300-seat stadium opened in 1958 and was renovated in 1999. It sits in the corner of Recreation Park in Long Beach.
095540
This classic ballpark features fixed-back single seats behind home plate and in the lower rows down both lines. Benches with backs fill the upper portions of the grandstand down both lines. Upgrades to the original structure include modern lighting and an electronic scoreboard in right-centerfield. Shoutouts to accomplished players who once trod upon this field include the Jered Weaver Bullpen, the Steve Trachsel Bullpen and the Troy Tulowitzki Batting Facility.
What really catches the eye, though, is the soaring roof that covers most of the seating. It angles up towards the sky at a 30-degree angle, cantilevered so that no pillars block the view of the fans, as is so often found in stadiums of this era. The roof has an extension behind home plate, providing more cover to this “premium” seating. There are few things that transport one to an earlier era than an old ballpark with a roof.
The exterior is nicely done in a classy cream color with black accents, making for a striking look. The old-fashioned “LB” logo is everywhere with “Blair Field” in a handsome script to welcome fans as they pass through the gates. The concessions are on the concourse between the grandstand and the wrought iron fence the separates the stadium from the street.
Blair Field is one of those places harkens back to another time. Sitting under that roof, I can imagine a crowd of men wearing white shirts and hats, women in dresses and kids with little baseball caps. I have occasion to be in Los Angeles from time to time. Whenever I visit the area, I will make sure to check the schedule and try to catch a game in this time capsule in Long Beach.
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2026
312
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