HODGETOWN

HODGETOWN opened in 2019 in downtown Amarillo, Texas, providing the newly christened Amarillo Sod Poodles with a state-of-the-art facility that quickly became one of the most celebrated ballparks in the entire minor league system. The 7,364-seat stadium, designed by Populous, was built at the intersection of Buchanan and South Polk Streets in the heart of Amarillo's compact downtown, an area that had seen limited development before the ballpark project catalyzed a transformation. The name HODGETOWN honors the Hodge family, longtime Amarillo civic leaders whose contributions to the community are woven into the city's modern history.

The ballpark's design draws on the Texas Panhandle's ranching heritage and wide-open landscape. The main entrance features a dramatic metal canopy that references the region's agricultural structures, and the interior materials — weathered steel, limestone, and concrete — evoke the rugged character of the High Plains. The playing surface sits below grade, and the concourse wraps the entire facility, offering views of both the game and the Amarillo skyline from every vantage point. The outfield area includes a berm, group gathering spaces, and a playground that make the venue a destination for families.

The Sod Poodles name, which references prairie dogs (known colloquially as "sod poodles" in the Texas Panhandle), was an instant hit. The branding generated national media attention and produced merchandise sales that ranked among the highest in all of minor league baseball in the franchise's inaugural season. The creative identity, combined with the quality of the new facility, helped the Sod Poodles win the 2019 Texas League championship in their very first year of existence — a storybook debut that cemented the franchise's place in the community.

HODGETOWN has served as the home of first the San Diego Padres' and then the Arizona Diamondbacks' Double-A affiliate. The ballpark's impact on downtown Amarillo has been substantial, with new restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues opening in the surrounding blocks to capture the foot traffic generated by baseball season. For Amarillo, a city of approximately 200,000 people in the middle of the Texas Panhandle, HODGETOWN provides a gathering place and a source of civic pride that transcends the sport.