Day Air Ballpark
Introduction
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Day Air Ballpark, located in downtown Dayton, Ohio, is the home of the Dayton Dragons, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds. Opened on April 27, 2000, the ballpark was originally known as Fifth Third Field before being renamed Day Air Ballpark in 2020 through a naming rights agreement with Day Air Credit Union, a local financial institution. The stadium is part of a larger effort to revitalize downtown Dayton, and it has become a cornerstone of the city’s entertainment and economic development.
Images
This is an aerial photo of the inside of the ballpark during a sunset.

This is a view from the first base side lawn seating. This took place on the opening day for the season in 2023.

This is a photo of Hunter Green when he was a Dayton Dragon before he signed with the Cincinnati Reds


Backstory and Context
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Prior to the development of Day Air Ballpark, Dayton’s baseball community revolved around Hudson Field, also known as Ducks Park. Built in 1933 by Dayton native and former Major League Baseball player Howard "Ducky" Holmes, the ballpark was located at 2400 West Third Street. With room for about 3,500 spectators, Hudson Field became a central gathering place for local fans and hosted numerous teams over the years. Hudson Field remained a significant venue for local baseball until its closure in the 1990's. The site was eventually redeveloped, and the Dayton Dragons began playing at the newly constructed Fifth Third Field (now Day Air Ballpark) in 2000. The legacy of Hudson Field lives on through historical markers and the memories of those who experienced the first era of baseball in Dayton.
The push to bring a minor league baseball team to Dayton began in the late 1990's, driven by a desire to create a family friendly, community focused venue that could also serve as a catalyst for urban renewal. The city partnered with Mandalay Baseball Properties and the Cincinnati Reds to secure a Midwest League franchise, and construction on the ballpark began in 1999. The Dragons have since become one of the most successful minor league franchises in terms of attendance and fan engagement, setting a professional sports record for consecutive sellouts.
Day Air Ballpark is more than just a place to watch baseball it's a thoughtfully designed, multi-use venue that hosts concerts, charity events, high school sports, and a variety of community activities throughout the year. The ballpark blends modern amenities with the charm of classic stadiums, creating an intimate yet energetic game day experience for fans. With a seating capacity of approximately 8,000, including lawn and standing areas, the stadium features suites, a party deck, family picnic spots, and a full concourse that keeps spectators connected to the game from every angle. Its close seating, fan-friendly atmosphere, and strategic downtown location, which is within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and the historic Oregon District make it a model for minor league parks nationwide. It's more than just a sports venue, Day Air Ballpark symbolizes Dayton’s resilience and civic pride, serving as a vibrant public space that brings the community together year-round.
Sources
Basler, Peyton. “2025 preseason Top 30 prospects lists | River Riders.” The Official Site of Minor League Baseball | MLB.com, https://www.milb.com/elizabethton/news/2025-preseason-top-30-prospects-lists. Accessed 6 March 2025.
Borek, Jesse. “Explore Dayton's Day Air Ballpark.” 15 February 2023, https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/featured/explore-day-air-ballpark-home-of-the-dayton-dragons?msockid=0ddbce9f98db619f1b0fda1e9942607d. Accessed 6 March 2025.
“Day Air Ballpark | Dragons.” The Official Site of Minor League Baseball | MLB.com, 4 April 2024, https://www.milb.com/dayton/ballpark. Accessed 6 March 2025.
“Dayton Dragons.” Day Air Credit Union, https://dayair.org/community-involvement/dayton-dragons/. Accessed 6 March 2025.
Reed, Haylie. ArtiFACT Friday, Dayton History. October 31st, 2014. Accessed May 11th, 2025. https://www.daytonhistory.org/artifact-friday-2/.
Katz, Marc. Baseball's History in Dayton: From the "Gem Citys" of 1884 to the Dragons of today, Dayton Daily News. April 11th, 2023. Accessed May 11th, 2025. https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/baseballs-history-in-dayton-from-the-gem-citys-of-1884-to-the-surging-dragons-of-today/SXXJ6O4AQZEDLOWFVMXXZHEXGE/.
https://www.daytonlocal.com/directory/profiles/day-air-ballpark/
https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/dayton-dragons/photos-dayton-dragons-opening-night-2023-at-day-air-ballpark/UWJXPKQVYBGXFNI55A7MYS3R6U/
https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/photo/photo.php?id=19035
https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/baseballs-history-in-dayton-from-the-gem-citys-of-1884-to-the-surging-dragons-of-today/SXXJ6O4AQZEDLOWFVMXXZHEXGE/