The skyline of Columbus, as viewed from behind center-field. Photo Credit: Robert M. Barga.
Located near downtown gives Huntington Park a fair bit of advantages. For starters, from almost any seat in the park, you are able to see the city's skyline. While it might not be that impressive, it helps give the park a nice, signature feel. By sitting in the heart of the city, the park is open to anybody. You get done with work and want to find something to do? Why not catch an evening game. Live on OSU’s campus? Just jump on the COTA #2 and you are on your way. Being in the city, instead of on the outskirts, really helps attract spectators to the Clippers’ games.
The nicest feature about Huntington Park’s location is that it is smack-dab in the middle of the Arena District. The Arena District is a thriving area between the Short North and Columbus proper, where lots of things happen. You can catch a movie on the Arena Grand, take in a concert at the LC, or simply eat and drink at many of the local establishments. More importantly, when there is playoff hockey at Nationwide Arena (right next door), some lucky fan heading to the hockey game is going to grab a home run ball. Huntington Park is located where all the action is.
Though it is nice that Huntington Park is located in the Arena District, it does create a major headache during rush hour and other events. During the playoffs, parking was split between the Clippers and the Blue Jackets, with neither group having enough space. The same is true when there is a large concert at either the Arena or the LC. During rush hour, traffic is so backed up that it takes me about 30 minutes to get there (normally would be about 10), even if I leave an hour early.
The Food
One of the many fully stocked bars that are scattered throughout the park. Photo Credit: Robert M. Barga.
Like most parks, Huntington Park has food everywhere. From stand-alone booths, to full-menu concourses, you only need to walk about 20 feet to buy something. Unlike most parks, these stands sell things other than just the normal ballpark fare. There is carved meats, quesadillas, and other little surprises, for you to consume. While each location sells beer, you can find dozens of small beer stands around the park; let me tell you, Huntington Park has a great selection of beer.
Article comments
1 - Mike
Best ballpark in Ohio? Is this a joke?
Huntington is nice to look at, but man it's small. I must have bumped into dozens of people during the game I attended. I felt like I had no place to breathe.
As for the food "Are you there to eat or watch the game?" It's too distracting. Too many concession areas.
2 - Robert M. Barga
Mike, are you seriously saying that having many places to get food is an issue? Really?
I already said that it was small, but, if you think about it, games at the Coop never went past 9000 normally, so why make it much bigger than the 10,000 required?
3 - barga
HAHAHA, I was right, it is an amazing park
In fact, it was rated the best ballpark of the year!