Canal Park opened in time for the start of the 1997 season, at which time the former Canton-Akron Indians were rebranded as the Akron Aeros. Prior to the 2014 season, the team took the name of the RubberDucks, which pays tribute to Akron’s nickname as the “Rubber Capital of the World.” (The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is based in Akron.) Canal Park’s designer, HOK, also designed Baltimore’s Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and you’ll see subtle similarities between the two parks – namely, the brick construction.
Canal Park has a total capacity of 9,447 and field dimensions of 331 feet, 376 feet, 400 feet, 375 feet and 337 feet, moving from left field to right field. The RubberDucks dugout is on the third base side, and both teams’ bullpens are found in right-center field. (The home team’s dugout is at field level, while the visitors are elevated 3.5 feet above and behind.)
The neighborhood around Canal Park doesn’t have a significant appeal, but you’ll no doubt enjoy your visit to this Eastern League gem. The ballpark offers excellent value to fans, an impressive concession menu with a handful of extreme items, a large kids’ play area in the right field corner and a number of quality seating options.