Huntington Park

Huntington Park opened in 2009 in Columbus, Ohio's Arena District, joining Nationwide Arena as the second anchor of a sports and entertainment neighborhood that has transformed the western edge of downtown. The 10,100-seat ballpark replaced Cooper Stadium, the Clippers' home since 1977, and represented a quantum leap in facility quality that mirrored Columbus's broader transformation from a sleepy state capital into one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest. The stadium's $70 million construction cost was funded through a public-private partnership that has become a model for minor league ballpark development.

The design by 360 Architecture (now part of HOK) integrated the ballpark seamlessly into the Arena District's urban fabric. The main entrance on Neil Avenue connects directly to the district's restaurant and bar scene, and the open concourse design allows views of the downtown skyline throughout the facility. The playing surface sits below street grade, creating a natural bowl effect that enhances the intimacy of the seating bowl. The left field corner features a grass berm area that has become one of the most popular gathering spots in Columbus on summer evenings.

The Columbus Clippers, who have served as Triple-A affiliates of the New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and Cleveland Guardians during the stadium's existence, have thrived in the new facility. Attendance figures have consistently placed Columbus among the top-drawing Triple-A franchises, driven by the combination of an excellent facility, a loyal fanbase, and the advantages of operating in a major metropolitan market without a competing MLB franchise. The Clippers' success at Huntington Park has reinforced the argument that Triple-A baseball can serve as a top-tier entertainment product in the right market.

The ballpark has aged gracefully, with periodic upgrades to technology, concessions, and seating keeping it current with evolving fan expectations. Huntington Park's influence extends beyond baseball — it demonstrated that the Arena District concept could work, paving the way for further development that has made the neighborhood one of Columbus's most vibrant destinations.