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Blue Jays: A Look at the MiLB Stadiums in the system

By Ben Steiner

LAKELAND, FL- MARCH 02: A general view from the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL- MARCH 02: A general view from the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on March 2, 2016 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 17: A detail of officiall major league baseball postseason baseballs are seen in a bucket during batting practice between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers during game four of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 17, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 17: A detail of officiall major league baseball postseason baseballs are seen in a bucket during batting practice between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers during game four of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 17, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Lansing Lugnuts: (A)- Cooley Law School Stadium

Home of many of the Blue Jays’ top prospects once they are drafted, Cooley Law School Stadium is an important part of the Lansing community. The stadium is one of the only ones in the Blue Jays’ system which is in the downtown core, meaning there are many pre and post-game options for fans to enjoy. It is also the only multi-use stadium in the organization as the Lansing Ignite soccer club play their home games there.

While the location and uses of the stadium make it unique, they are not the only things that do. When fans enter the stadium, they go down; rather than up like in most parks. The playing field is actually below ground level, meaning fans walk down to their seats rather than up.

The listed capacity of the stadium is 7,500, although many more fans tend to pack the stadium on warm summer nights. The hull behind the stadium has been left empty, and is a welcome site for picnics and families. It is not known how many can fit on the hill, however, it has been seen packed on many occasions.

Cooley Law school Stadium is one of the most unique downtown ballparks in the minor leagues and offers a taste of the major leagues while only in Single-A.

Dunedin Blue Jays (Advanced A) – Dunedin Stadium

The Dunedin Blue Jays have by far the most extensive facilities of any minor league team in the Jays’ system, as they play in the home of Blue Jays’ spring training. However, this season has not treated the Dunedin boys nicely; as they have not been able to play in their own stadium due to renovations.

The stadium, originally built in the 1930s has been home to Florida baseball for over 90 years. It has gone under multiple renovations, although the 2019 one is by far the biggest. It is set to open in 2020, equipped with extensive facilities, and a new stadium. Jays president Mark Shapiro said    “it will be the best complex in baseball” when the plans were unveiled in late 2017.

As for the old stadium, it was described as boring and bland; much like many spring training stadiums. It got the job done, but without any of the charm that comes with the other minor league stadiums. The food is nothing special, and the stadium boasted the smallest capacity of any spring training facility.

Overall, it was time for the Blue Jays organization to revamp their single a and spring training facilities in Dunedin.

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